The stand out game of the weekend was the clash in the Premier Division between the two sides who have dominated football in Ireland for the past four seasons as Dundalk played host to the champions Cork City in Oriel Park. Dundalk hadn’t beaten Cork in their last eight meetings, but they broke that streak on Friday night thanks to a goal from Pat Hoban which was enough to give them a 1-0 win. Hoban’s goal came early, Cork keeper Mark McNulty spilled a free kick from Ronan Murray into the path of the former Oxford United man who shot home. Dundalk were good value for their win and they also missed a penalty as Robbie Benson’s kick was saved by McNulty late in the second half.
That result means that we have new leaders as Waterford FC hit top spot thanks to their 2-1 win against Sligo Rovers in the Showgrounds. Gavan Holohan and Courtney Duffus scored their goals. Adam Morgan scored for Rovers, his third goal of the season.
Shamrock Rovers were 6-1 winners against Derry City in the Tallaght Stadium. Graham Burke scored four goals with Sean Kavanagh and Ronan Finn getting the other goals. Ronan Hale scored for Derry. That was the second game in a row for Shamrock to hit their opposition for six.
St. Patrick’s Athletic continued with their good start to the season thanks a 1-0 win in Dalymount Park against Bohemian FC. Dean Clarke scored the game’s only goal. Bray Wanderers woes continued as they were beaten 1-0 by Limerick in the Markets Field. Danny Morrissey scored the winner nine minutes from time.
In the First Division Longford Town maintained their good start as they were 3-0 winners at home to Wexford FC in the City Calling Stadium. Chris Mulhall with two of their goals and Dylan McGlade with the other.
Finn Harps had their first competitive outing of 2018 as they welcomed Shelbourne FC to Finn Park. The game finished 1-1 with Michael O’Connor scoring for Harps and David O’Sullivan for Shelbourne. It finished 1-1 also in the meeting of UCD and Galway United in Belfield Park. Danny Furlong gave Galway the lead with Josh Collins earning a point for Students.
A first half goal from Adam O’Sullivan was enough to give Cobh Ramblers a 1-0 win against Cabinteely in Stradbrook.
Shamrock Rovers weren’t the only side to score six over the weekend as Drogheda United did the same in their season opener against Athlone Town in United Park. Mark Doyle scored two with Jake Hyland, Colm Deasy and Ciaran Kelly all getting one each. Their other was an own goal from Martin Walshe.