Airtricity League Week 15 Round-up
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
The League of Ireland returned this week from its mid season break and it did so in a flurry of goals. In the nine games, thirty four goals were scored with only Wexford Youths failing to get on the score sheet.
The withdrawal of Monaghan United was acknowledged in many of the grounds with fans displaying messages of support for the club and unhappiness at another top tier team exiting the league due to financial strain.
On Thursday, ten men Shelbourne lost to Shamrock Rovers by three goals to two despite the home side holding the lead on two occasions. A 79th minute goal from Gary Twigg giving the Hoops all three points.
With the aforementioned departure of Monaghan, it meant the rest of this week's games took place on Friday evening. Derry City will rue not taking full points at Turner's Cross against Cork City. The Candystripes led 2-0 after 22 minutes thanks to a brace from Rory Patterson but goals in the 81st and 85th minute for Cork meant the spoils were shared.
In a windy Belfield, Robbie Benson scored a second half equaliser to earn UCD a deserved share of the spoils against Dundalk whilst former Bohemians striker Christy Fagan was the hero for St Patrick's Athletic as his late double saw the Saints take all three points against the Gypsies in Inchicore.
Drogheda United claimed their second league win against Bray this season with goals from Declan O’Brien, Paul Crowley and Peter Hynes. Sean Houston gave the visitors something to shout about in the first half but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation with the hosts running out comfortable 3-1 winners.
In the First Division, Limerick cruised to a four-nil victory over a poor Wexford Youths side at Jackman Park. Two goals either side of half time secured the three points for the Blues as they continue to pile the pressure on league leaders Longford Town.
Longford Town maintained their place at the top of the Airtricity League First Division courtesy of a 3-1 win over threadbare Finn Harps in Ballybofey.
SD Galway secured their first win of the season in the most dramatic of circumstances as they ended a thirteen game run without a victory as Timmy Molloy fired home a cracking winner a minute from time to stun their city rivals Mervue United whilst in the midlands Waterford United gave Athlone Town a lesson in clinical finishing as they cemented their grip on third position by beating the hosts 1-4 in Lissywoollen.
About Gareth Penrose
Gareth Penrose founded extratime.com in 2008 and has worked as a reporter / editor / developer on the site since.
Over the last 14 years, Gareth has covered games in the League … View Full Profile