Premier Division round-up: Shelbourne stretch lead at top after Derry City slump to defeat away to Sligo Rovers

Nine-man Shelbourne held on for a point away to Drogheda United as they stretched their lead at the top of the Premier Division on Thursday night.

While the Reds will be disappointed to drop points in their pursuit of the title, they will be relieved that they avoided defeat after a madcap finish to the game.

Defender Tyreke Wilson handed Shels a first-half lead with a fine header midway through the opening period. 

But they were unable to hold on as the three points slipped away from them in the closing stages. 

Paddy Barrett was first sent off 11 minutes from time after receiving two yellow cards in three minutes. 

And goalscorer Wilson was then given his marching orders for a second booking two minutes for a handball in the box which gave Drogheda a penalty. 

New Drogs signing Douglas James-Taylor converted from the spot to pick up a point for Kevin Doherty’s side. 

But the draw was not the worst result for Shels as they moved a further point clear of title rivals Derry City. 

The Candystripes slumped to a shock 2-1 loss away to Sligo Rovers despite taking a second-half lead through winger Paul McMullan. 

McMullan broke the deadlock in the 54th minute before the Bit O’Red levelled through midfielder Ellis Chapman just past the hour mark with a penalty. 

And Chapman scored again as additional time approached to win it. JR Wilson was sent off in the closing stages for the hosts at the Showgrounds. 

Elsewhere, Waterford’s remarkable season continued with a 1-0 victory over Stephen Kenny’s St Patrick’s Athletic at the RSC. 

The Saints have flattered to deceive under their new boss in recent weeks but can have few complaints with their latest defeat against the Blues. 

Ben McCormack, a former St Pat’s prospect, scored the winner. 

The results leaves Waterford in third-place on 37 points, with the Athletic seventh on 28 points from 25 games. 

They are two points clear of eight-placed Bohemians but have played four games more than them so far this season.

And Bohemians could have reduced that gap if they held on to a win away to Galway United after drawing 1-1. 

Instead, they will be left to rue a costly miss from Adam McDonnell that would have secured three points away to the Tribesmen. 

Dayle Rooney’s first-half penalty handed Bohs the lead, with McDonnell then wasting a big opportunity to double their lead. 

The Gypsies were punished for not taking their chances with Rob Slevin equalising in the early stages of the second period. 

John Caulfield’s side even had a chance to win it late on but Patrick Hickey’s goal was chalker off by referee Eoghan O’Shea for an apparent foul prior to him netting.

Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers maintained their slim hopes of a fifth successive Premier Division title with a nervy 1-0 triumph over Dundalk. 

Johnny Kenny’s tenth league goal of the campaign was enough as he found the pot of gold under the rainbow that kissed the sky while Dundalk’s late rally proved luckless.

A superb ball from Dylan Watts curled around the back of the Dundalk defence and Kenny swooped the ball home in the 29th minute.

But the hosts were clinging on at the end as Dundalk’s substitutes provided them with a late flurry of chances but they couldn’t convert.

You can read Ronan MacNamara’s report here.