Dundalk 2, Sligo Rovers 4: SLIGO ROVERS moved one step closer to European qualification thanks to a hard-earned win over Dundalk in a six-goal thriller at Oriel Park.
Tom Miller missed a gilt-edged chance to put Dundalk in front after nine minutes and three minutes later Sligo’s Matthew Blinkhorn sidestepped Garry Breen to find the net brilliantly.
Dundalk hit back when Ross Gaynor’s overhead kick looped over John Gibson in the 26th minute. Gavin Peers should have restored Sligo’s lead when he flashed a free header wide from eight yards and Peter Cherrie had to save twice from Richie Ryan free-kicks as the half fizzed along at a frenetic pace.
The home side’s hopes were dealt a major blow in the space of 120 seconds. Wayne Hatswell was shown red for a second bookable offence on Gary McCabe in the 39th minute and from the resulting free-kick, Joey Ndo teed up Ryan to score. Dundalk drew level again when Gaynor deceived Gibson with a clever free-kick in the 54th minute but Sligo were back in front seconds later when Alan Keane sent Cherrie the wrong way from the penalty spot after Garry Breen had fouled McCabe. Joseph Ndo grabbed the fourth in the 75th minute.
DUNDALK:Cherrie, Madden, G Breen (Maher, 60 mins), Burns, Hatswell; Kearns, Miller, Bennett, Gaynor; Kuduzovic, Tipton.
SLIGO ROVERS: Gibson; Keane, Peers, Lauchlan, Davoren; McCabe (Ventre, 83 mins), Ryan, Ndo, Doyle; Dillon (O'Grady, 71 mins), Blinkhorn (McGoldrick, 80 mins).
Referee: T Connolly (Dublin).
