Dundalk 1 Shamrock Rovers 1:Dundalk and league leaders Shamrock Rovers played out a 1-1 draw at Oriel Park this afternoon where either side could have taken the spoils, while Sligo Rovers played their way back into the title race with a fractious win over Derry City.
The in-form Karl Sheppard put the visitors ahead after 16 minutes but veteran Jason Byrne scored from the penalty spot 20 minutes later.
While Sheppard scored his third goal in as many games for Rovers, Byrne (33) notched up his 178th goal in the League of Ireland. The game also held a further underlying agenda as the teams will line out once more in Saturday week’s Setanta Sports Cup final.
Sheppard’s opener came through a long range pass by Enda Stevens from his own half. As Sheppard picked it up, the Dundalk defence was in disarray, which afforded the striker time to pick his spot and slot the ball past Peter Cherrie for his sixth goal of the season.
The equaliser came when Stephen Rice took down Mark Quigley and referee Derek Tomney pointed to the spot. Byrne duly stepped up and sent Allan Mannus the wrong way. The goal moved Byrne level alongside Turlough O'Connor in third place on the list of all-time League of Ireland scorers.
In the latter stages Gary O’Neill and Ronan Finn had good chances to nick the win for Rovers but were unable to convert in front of goal.
The champions also had a penalty appeal turned down in the 72nd minute when Sheppard went down from a Ross Gaynor tackle. The referee waved play on with Rovers manager Michael O’Neill sent to the stands for his reaction to the decision.
Elsewhere Sligocame out on top of the north west derby at the Showgrounds where they won 3-0against visitors Derrybut the scoreline only told part of the story.
It was a game full of action and debate – not to mention a busy afternoon for the referee – for there were two penalties, four players sent off and no less than 12 yellow cards.
Eoin Doyle scored two second half penalties for the home side with Eddie McCallion sent off for his tackle in the box while David McDaid gave the other penalty away.
McCallion wasn’t the only player to see red as Kevin Deery, Gavin Peers and Emmett Friars all got their marching orders for second bookable offences.
Rovers’ third goal came from substitute Alan Kirby, who found the Derry net four minutes from time
Dundalk: Cherrie; Madden, Hawkins, Hector, N Murphy; Kearns, McDonnell, Ward, Gaynor; Byrne, Quigley.
Shamrock Rovers: Mannus; Sullivan, Murray, Oman, Stevens; McCabe (Kavanagh 66), Rice, Finn, Dennehy (Kelly 81); O'Neill (Kilduff 73), Sheppard.
Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin).
Attendance: 2250.
