Premier Division round-up: St Pat’s and Bohemians fail to capitalise on Shamrock Rovers draw

Jonathan Afolabi reacts to a missed chance

Jonathan Afolabi reacts to a missed chance Credit: Eddie Lennon (ETPhotos)

St Patrick’s Athletic nor Bohemians were able to pounce on Shamrock Rovers’ draw against Shelbourne at Tolka Park on Friday night.

The Saints played out a scoreless draw against the Gypsies at a sold-out Richmond Park, meaning they stayed four points behind the leaders.

Rovers coughed up a late lead against Shelbourne at Tolka Park when Gavin Molloy equalised.

But there were chances in Dublin 8 during the clash between St Pat’s and Bohs.

Jason McClelland forced an early save from James Talbot, while Conor Carty then blazed over after pouncing on some slack Bohs defending soon after.

Danny Grant had Bohs’ first big chance just before the interval but he could not steer his effort on target.

But Declan Devine’s side improved during the second period and had chances to score as the match progressed.

Jordan Flores and James Clarke both went close, but it was the Saints who went even closer as Tommy Lonergan and Carty both saw effort come off the woodwork.

However, James Akintunde had the best chance of the game inside the last ten minutes – but his header clipped off the bar after he met Krystian Nowak’s cross.



But it could have been worse for both teams if Shamrock Rovers won away against Shelbourne.

Markus Poom struck in the first half to give the Hoops a lead – and they looked like they were going to be able to hang on for a win until Molloy headed home a late corner-kick.

Shels drop back to sixth but they are just three points behind fourth-placed Derry City.

Meanwhile, Cork City’s woes continued after they were held to a 1-1 draw by UCD at Turner’s Cross.

Cian Bargary’s first half opener looked like it set Liam Buckley’s side on their way to ending their winless run of eight games.



But Danu Kinsella Bishop struck just after the hour mark to salvage a point for Andy Myler’s side – and compound City’s misery at the foot of the table.

They are now five points behind eighth-placed Drogheda United but have played a game more than Kevin Doherty’s side.

Elsewhere, Dundalk ran out 1-0 winners against Sligo Rovers to maintain their European ambitions.

Daniel Kelly’s first half header proved to be the difference between the two teams – moving the Lilywhites to fifth, level on points with Derry City.

Sligo remain in seventh and may drop down to as low as eighth if Drogheda United win away to Derry on Sunday evening.

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