Premier Division round-up: Shelbourne stay top, Dundalk claim first win and Galway United hold Shamrock Rovers to draw

Damien Duff’s Shelbourne maintained their hold on top spot following a narrow 1-0 win over Dublin rivals St Patrick’s Athletic. 

The Reds have impressed this season and their latest win over the Saints has given them a new lease of life after a winless run of five games. 

John Martin’s goal just past the half hour mark proved to be the difference between the two teams. 

Meanwhile, Derry City recorded a 2-0 victory over Waterford at the RSC. 

Ruaidhri Higgins’ troops took the lead seven minutes before the interval with Will Patching finding the net from the spot. 

And just 15 minutes from time in the second, in-form striker Patrick Hoban scored. 

The Candystripes remain three points behind league leaders Shelbourne, while Waterford sit in eighth place on 13 points. 

The Blues may start looking nervously over their shoulder following Dundalk’s first win of the campaign against Bohemians. 

The Lilywhites appointed Noel King as boss last weekend and his arrival had the desired effect at Oriel Park as they claimed a 2-0 win. 

Scott High opened the scoring for the Co Louth side, while Robbie Benson also netted in the second half to seal it. 

Champions Shamrock Rovers were held to a 1-1 draw against Galway United on Friday night. 

And Stephen Bradley’s side will be relieved that they avoided defeat after Stephen Walsh gave the Tribesmen the lead early on in the second-half. 

Walsh’s opener came just minutes after Dylan Watts missed a penalty for the Hoops. 

But Johnny Kenny’s 84th minute strike salvaged a point for the hosts. 

Elsewhere, Drogheda United ran out 3-1 winners against Sligo Rovers at Weavers Park. 

The Boynesiders fell behind early on after Will Fitzgerald opened the scoring for the Bit O’Red. 

But strikes from Darragh Markey, Frantz Pierrot and Aaron McNally proved decisive for the hosts as they came from behind to win comfortably.