Sligo Rovers 0 Dundalk 1: Sligo Rovers fell to their first home defeat in a dramatic game at the Showgrounds last night.

Dundalk took the lead five minutes before half-time when a looping long-range shot by Dane Massey nestled in the top corner of the Rovers net.

Striker Anthony Elding was shown a straight red card on 71 minutes for an off the ball incident. It got worse for the champions when Dundalk were awarded a penalty in the 77th minute, but luckily for Sligo Patrick Hoban’s kick came back off the post and Stephen O’Donnell was unable to finish the rebound.

Dundalk were then reduced to 10 men in the 93rd minute when O’Donnell was sent off after getting a second yellow card.

The win boosts Dundalk’s hopes of European football but the result puts a major dent in Sligo’s hopes of retaining their title.

Patrick Hoban unhinged the home defence in the 12th minute but his effort went narrowly wide.

A stinging Anthony Elding shot from 30 yards went behind off the woodwork on 15 minutes as Sligo pressed forward.

Dundalk had another chance when Stephen McDonnell got possession but his effort narrowly missed the target. Sligo keeper Gary Rogers did well to tip the ball over the bar from a blistering Keith Ward shot after 32 minutes.

Dundalk were completely on top during the opening 45 minutes defending solidly and breaking with purpose and determination .
SLIGO ROVERS: Rogers, Keane, Henderson, Peers, Gaynor, Ndo, Cawley, Ventre, Cretaro, Greene, Elding. Subs: Djilali for Ventre (59 mins), Davoren for Gaynor (79 mins), Millien for Cretaro (82 mins).
DUNDALK: Cherrie, Sullivan, Boyle, O'Donnell, Meenan, Mountney, Hoban, Ward, Massey,Towell, Rossiter. Subs: Mulvenna for Meenan (72 mins), McDonnell for Ward (87 mins), Byrne for Mountney (92 mins).
Referee: Paul McLoughlin (Donegal).