SSE Airtricity League Round Up: Cork Win Again as Relegation Battle Deepens

Premier Division leaders Cork City begun life after Seanie Maguire with a 2-1 home win against Galway United although they were made work hard for their win by the Tribesmen. It was the side from the West who took the lead through a goal from former Cork player Gavan Holohan. Garry Buckley equalised for Cork with their winner being an own goal from Lee Grace. Second place Dundalk were held to a 1-1 draw thanks to a battling display from Sligo Rovers in the Showgrounds. Niclas Vemmelund had given Dundalk the lead but Swiss striker Benny Igiehon earned his side a point with a well taken strike from the left in what his first goal for the club. Derry City remain in third place as they beat Limerick 3-0 in McGinn Park. Barry McNamee, Rory Patterson and Ben Doherty. Limerick are now in danger of being dragged into the relegation battle as they are only five points clear of Sligo Rovers who are third from bottom. One side who are out of the relegation zone are St. Patrick’s Athletic who beat bottom side Drogheda United 1-0 thanks to a goal from Christy Fagan. St. Pat’s are three points clear of Rovers whom they play in the Showgrounds this coming Saturday.

Finn Harps are up to fifth from bottom thanks to their 3-2 win away against Bray Wanderers who continue to make headlines. This week it was because of two press releases which compared Wicklow County Council to the regime in North Korea, spoke of how they wanted to build an academy to rival that of Barcelona and Manchester United and also invoked the spirit of Conor McGregor and the 1916 Rising. It sounds like the ultimate in click bait but they are real statements and are well worth checking out. The impasse with the players remains as they want their contracts cancelled but the club refuses saying that the funds are in place to ensure everyone continues to get paid. Eddie Dsane, Mark Timlin and Ibrahim Keita scored for Harps with Aaron Greene and Ryan Brennan scoring for Bray who also had their goal keeper Peter Cherrie sent off. Speaking of Greene it was strongly rumoured during the week that Bray turned down a bid during the week for him from Shamrock Rovers.

Shamrock were beaten 2-1 on Friday night by their cross city rivals Bohemians FC in the Dublin Derby. Ismahil Akinade and Dinny Corcoran with the goals for Bohs with David McAllister scoring for Shamrock. In the First Division Wateford continue with their preparation for life back in the top flight next season as they beat Athlone Town 3-1. It is all quiet for the moment as regards Athlone who must grateful to Bray for ensuring that the spotlight stays off them. Cobh Ramblers beat Wexford 2-0 and Shelbourne won 3-1 away to Longford Town. Cabinteely are up to fourth thanks to their first ever win against UCD whom they beat 3-2 in the Belfield Bowl.