Drogheda United regained the leadership of the first division on goal-difference ahead of Dublin City following a scoreless draw at Limerick FC yesterday, a result that lifts Limerick off the bottom of the table. Chances were few and far between in a drab encounter at Jackman Park.

Noel Hunt scored on his debut as Waterford United came from behind to earn a point from a 1-1 draw with Athlone Town at St Mel's Park to go third.

Brian Morrisroe shot Athlone in front on 30 minutes. Managerless Blues pressed hard throughout the second half and got their reward seven minutes from time when on loan Hunt found the net.

Finn Harps' promotion hopes suffered a pre-Christmas dent as they crashed 3-0 to Kilkenny City at Buckley Park on Saturday night.

Phil Hughes was Kilkenny City's hero with a brace of goals to bring his tally for the season to 12. Hughes struck for the opener on 36 minutes, racing on to Alan O'Connor's ball to shoot home.

Tony Stewart, on loan from Shamrock Rovers, scored on his debut to make it 2-0 on 68 minutes before Hughes added his second with a delightful chip seven minutes from time.

Sligo Rovers got right back into the promotion hunt with a 2-1 home win over Cobh Ramblers. Jason Moran of Rovers and Cobh's Donal Golden swapped first-half penalties before Rafael Cretaro settled the match four minutes from time.