Sligo Rovers 0-2 Dundalk FC

Match Report

Goals in either half from Daryl Horgan and Sam Durrant kept Dundalk’s hopes of a top-four finish alive as they overcame Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds.

Dundalk head coach Stephen O’Donnell made several changes to his side with Andy Boyle, Cameron Elliot, Ryan O’Kane, Senan Mullen and Louie Annesley all named in the starting XI.

The Lilywhites hit the front after 19 minutes when Elliott was set free on the right by Robbie Benson and his cutback was fired home by Horgan.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men when Robbie Burton reacted angrily to referee Paul McLaughlin’s decision to book him but they did have a chance to level with 77 minutes played when John Brannefalk ran through on goal but Nathan Shepperd stood tall to deny him.

Dundalk sealed the win with 88 minutes played when Durrant, who came off the bench shortly before, wrapped up the points with a simple close-range finish.

The win moves Dundalk within three points of fourth-placed Bohemians, who they face at Oriel Park on Friday night.

SLIGO ROVERS: Conor Walsh; Niall Morahan, Garry Buckley (Nando Pijnaker 60), John Mahon, Reece Hutchinson (Will Fitzgerald 60); David Cawley (Kailin Barlow 60), Greg Bolger; Karl O’Sullivan, Robbie Burton, Fabrice Hartmann (Johan Brannefalk 66); Pedro Martelo (Frank Liivak 66).

DUNDALK FC:: Nathan Sheppard; Archie Davies, Andy Boyle, Louie Annesley, Hayden Muller; Senan Mullen (Patrick Hoban 84), Greg Slogett; Daryl Horgan (Daniel Kelly 71), Robbie Benson (Connor Malley 40), Ryan O’Kane (Sam Durrant 84); Cameron Elliot (Paul Doyle 84).

REFEREE: Paul McLaughlin. ATTENDANCE: 1,753