We have reached the International break for the League Of Ireland Premier Division, First Division games will still be on next week so you will still be able to watch League Of Ireland football across the grounds or on LOITV. As usual there were plenty of shock results in both divisions so here is your round up of all the games across both divisions.
Premier Division
The place to start off with is at Tolka Park as the defending champions Shelbourne dropped points for the second consecutive week as they had to come from behind to get a 1-1 draw against newly promoted Cork City. In the clash of the Premier Division and First Division champions, it was the away side that took the lead with Ruairi Keating putting his side infront 5 minutes after the second half had resumed. In a game where Shelbourne dominated majority of the possession they got their reward 20 minutes later when Evan Caffrey got his side level and that’s the way it finished.
St Patrick’s Athletic look to finally be up and running as they defeated a Bohemians side that look to really be struggling so far this season. 3 goals from Chris Forrester, Mason Melia and Jason McCelland guided Stephen Kenny’s side to maximum points and inflicted a 4th defeat of the season on Alan Reynolds side.
Shamrock Rovers have put together back to back wins for the first time this season as Ed Mcginty was the hero from the penalty spot as he denied Drogheda United a share of the points in added time.
It was Drogheda United who took the lead midway through the first half with Conor Keeley continuing his excellent start to the season with another goal. That lead only last 8 minutes though as Aaron Greene levelled things up for Shamrock Rovers just before halftime. With 20 minutes to play Shamrock Rovers took the lead through Graham Burke. But the drama didn’t end there with Drogheda United winning a penalty which looked set to see both sides coming away with a point but Ed McGinty didn’t read that script and denied Shane Farrell and ensured Shamrock Rovers came away with all 3 points.
The final game on Friday night saw Galway United continue their impressive start to the season and remain the only undefeated team in the Premier Division as they defeated Waterford 1-0 at Eamon Deacy Park with Vincent Borden the hero 10 minutes from full time.
The final game in the Premier Division took place last night in the Showgrounds as Derry City came away with a 1-0 victory over Sligo Rovers. Micheal Duffy getting the important goal in the 20th minute.
Heading into the international break after 6 games and it’s Drogheda United who lead the way with 11 points, St Patricks Athletic and Galway United following close behind with 10 points.
First Division
Moving over to the First Division where probably the biggest shock came at Bishopsgate last night as Longford Town got their first victory of the season over Kerry FC with Kerry FC missing a late penalty to come away with a draw.A brace from Josh Giurgi and a goal from the substitute Aaron Walsh guided Longford to their first 3 points of the season.
Moving on to the Friday night games and 10 man Wexford stole all 3 points from the Markets Field as a 93rd minute goal from Mikey Rowe saw them come away with a 1-0 victory over Treaty United at the Markets Field. Zayd Abada saw red for a second bookable offence with 6 minutes to play.
Dundalk FC got back to winning ways as they came away from the new Carlisle Ground’s astroturf with a 3-1 victory over Bray. 3 first half goals from Dary Horgan, Deane Ebbe and Eoin Kenny had the game put away before halftime with Bray picking up a consolation goal from the penalty spot in the 93rd minute through Max Murphy.
Athlone Town have put together back to back wins for the first time this season as they earned a 2-1 victory at home to UCD. Declan Mcdaid put the home side infront 10 minutes into the game before Adam Verdon equalised in the 55th minute. And with 20 minutes to go Kyle Robinson found the net to secure all 3 points for Athlone Town.
Final game of the weekend saw Cobh Ramblers make the long trip up to Finn Harps as was made worthwhile as they came away with all 3 points thanks to a 81st minute penalty from Cian Murphy. It was the home side who took a suprizing lead just 7 minutes into the game through Patrick Ferry but the lead only last 20 minutes as Cobh Ramblers levelled things up just before the half an hour mark. With little to separate the sides it was Murphy who got the all important goal from the penalty spot to send the Munster side home with all 3 points.