Dundalk back on track
Amidst the excitement of Euro 2016, the SSE Airtricity League got underway once more after a two week break, and league leaders Dundalk bounced back from the defeat they suffered at the hands of second placed Cork City in the last round of fixtures with a 2-0 win over St Patrick's Athletic at Oriel Park.
It looked for a while as if Liam Buckley's visitors would hold out to deny the Premier Division leaders, but in the end their resistance was finally broken 17 minutes from time.
Ciaran Kilduff had hit the outside of the post with a header early in the second-half, but had better luck when great work by Patrick McEleney set him up with a straightforward chance that he despatched into the net with a left footed shot.
Kilduff then turned from scorer to provider seven minutes later when his header from John Mountney’s cross hit the post and landed in the path of Ronan Finn, who made no mistake from close range.
Stalemate at Tallaght Stadium
After narrowing the gap at the top to just one point with their win over Dundalk before the two week break, John Caulfield's Cork City are now three points behind after they were held to a goalless draw by Shamrock Rovers in the Tallaght Stadium.
It wasn't a game that will live long in the memory of those who witnessed it, with both sides rarely troubling the opposition goalkeepers, although Rovers can take heart that the result extended their unbeaten record to four games.
City goalkeeper Mark McNulty was forced into a save from Rovers winger Dean Clarke early on, and at the other end Cork striker Sean Maguire just missed eth target with a shot after being set up by Stephen Dooley.
Rovers defender Robert Cornwall then fired over from a free kick as the interval approached, and although the home side enjoyed more of the possession in the second half, both sides had to settle for a point from a disappointing encounter.
Derry win against lively Youths
Derry City remain tucked in behind the Premier Division's top two in third place, after a hard fought 1-0 win over Wexford Youths at the Brandywell.
A goal in the 18th minute from Nathan Boyle proved to be enough for Kenny Shiels' men, who stay nine points behind Dundalk at the top, although the ever improving Youths, proved to be a tough nut to crack.
Derry had keeper Ger Doherty to thank for a fine save from a Conor O'Keefe's effort, before they had a narrow escape late on when a corner was cleared off the line after Doherty had produced a good save from a Paul Murphy shot.
Limerick extend their lead
Limerick continued what looks like an inevitable march to the First Division league title with an easy 2-0 win at bottom of the table Cabinteely.
A goal in either half from Shane Tracy and Seán McSweeney extended the Blues unbeaten record to 14 league games, and also delivered the added bonus of increasing their lead at the top to 16 points, thanks to UCD's 2-1 win over Drogheda United.
With UCD now in second place and due to visit Market's Field next Saturday, the Blues could take another step towards the title if they continue their impressive run of form.
RESULTS
Premier Division
Bohemians 1 Galway United 1, Derry City 1 Wexford Youths 0, Dundalk 2 St. Patrick's Athletic 0, Longford Town 0 Finn Harps 2, Shamrock Rovers 0 Cork City 0, Sligo Rovers 0 Bray Wanderers 0.
First Division
Athlone Town 0 Cobh Ramblers 2, Cabinteely 0 Limerick 2, Drogheda United 1 UCD 2, Shelbourne 0 Waterford United 2.
