Drogheda United claimed a huge three points and top spot in the First Division with victory over promotion rivals Bray Wanderers. Longford Town closed the gap to the top-two with an emphatic victory over Midlands rivals Athlone whilst Wexford claim
Drogheda United claimed a huge three points and top spot in the First Division with victory over promotion rivals Bray Wanderers.
Longford Town closed the gap to the top-two with an emphatic victory over Midlands rivals Athlone whilst Wexford claimed the performance of the evening with a 5-1 win over Cabinteely.
Athlone Town 0-4 Longford Town
Longford Town closed the gap to the top-two in the First Division with an emphatic victory over Midlands rivals Athlone Town.
After Rob Manley's opener in the first-half, De Town added three more goals to the scoreline in the second-half to close the gap on top spot to just four points.
Only a win would do for Longford Town who still had one eye on top spot in the First Division and automatic promotion, and they got the perfect side at their Midlands rivals.
It was another quality moment from Aobh Dervin who lofted a fantastic ball through to Rob Manley who did well to control under pressure and finish.
De Town sealed the victory in the 68th minute as Sam Verdon slotted home his penalty to the keeper's right to double their lead. Athlone's night went from bad to worse when Lee Duffy received a straight red with 15 minutes remaining and a minute later, captain Scott Delaney turned into his own net.
In the final minute of the match, Karl Chambers scored a fourth to seal the victory for Longford.
Bray Wanderers 0-1 Drogheda United
Drogheda United claimed top spot in the First Division thanks to a hard-fought victory over Bray Wanderers.
Mark Doyle's first-half goal separated the two sides as Drogs went one point ahead of their promotion rivals.
In the big game at the top, it was Drogheda United who took the lead and put pressure on the league leaders.
Mark Doyle continued his incredible form this season in the 29th minute when he headed home his 12th goal of the season from a corner.
That was the way it stayed after an entertaining encounter at the Carlisle Grounds as Drogheda take top spot and they welcome Athlone Town next.
Cabinteely 1-5 Wexford
It was a night to remember for Wexford who scored five goals at the Stradbrook to claim a fantastic victory over Cabinteely.
Wexford came into the game looking to lift themselves off the foot of the First Division and they got the perfect start in the sixth minute. Karl Fitzsimons got down the right wing, crossed to Karl Manahan at the far-post and he was able to head home the opener.
The Ferrycarrig club were in dreamland in the 20th minute as they doubled their lead when Dan Tobin smashed home Jack Doherty's cross in style.
Cabinteely started the fight-back just eight minutes after the break after the referee awarded a penalty to Cabo and Kevin Knight stepped up to get the home side back into the match.
However, Wexford continued their impressive play and restored their two-goal lead in the 64th minute. Doherty found pace and this time, he picked Karl Fitzsimons at the far-post to finish.
Three minutes later, the away side added their fourth of the night with a carbon copy of their third as Doherty found Fitzsimons at the far post again to score his second. Incredibly, Wexford added a fifth of the evening through Patrick O'Sullivan to round off a fantastic evening.
Galway United 0-1 Cobh Ramblers
Galway United's play-off hopes were dealt a blow with their first defeat under manager John Caulfield against Cobh Ramblers.
Galway came into the game on the back of five straight victories and on the edge of the First Division play-off places.
But, it was Ramblers who took the lead at Eamonn Deacy Park. Galway failed to clear a corner and Ian Turner reacted quickest to find the net in the ninth minute.
Ramblers defended stoutly in the second-half to seal an important win as they went level on points with Galway United and UCD as their own play-off ambitions remain.
