Shamrock Rovers 10 points clear after win over Dundalk

Michael Bolton

Shamrock Rovers are 10 points clear at the top of the League of Ireland after a 3-2 win over Dundalk at Tallaght Stadium.

In a frantic first half, Stephen Bradley's side had the lead after just three minutes.

Michael Noonan was brought down by goalkeeper Enda Minogue, and Dylan Watts converted from the penalty spot.

The lead did not last long as Robert Cornwall scored from a scrappy corner to bring Dundalk level.

The defending champion regained the lead when Noonan scored his goal four minutes later, but just eight minutes later, it was the second penalty of the game.

Daryl Horgan made no mistake from the penalty spot, as there were four goals in the opening half an hour.

In his first goal for the club, Jonathan Afolabi scored what turned out to be the winner in the 38th minute as Shamrock Rovers extended their lead at the top of the label.

Despite several chances for both sides in an end-to-end second half, the second half failed to produce any goals as Shamrock Rovers held on for victory.

A concern for the Dublin side will be the injury to Cian Barrett, who left the pitch in a stretcher in added time.

In their first game without Tiernan Lynch, Derry City defeated Sligo Rovers 2-0 at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Barry Cotter scored in the 54th minute, with their second coming from Adam O'Reilly in the 64th minute.

It finished 0-0 between Galway United and Drogheda United.