St. Patrick’s Atheltic are starting to look a lot like a team ready to be champions, while Dundalk continue to look like a side that won’t fall away.
The Saints travelled to Tallaght for the South Dublin derby, in the knowledge that defeat against Shamrock Rovers, coupled with victory for Dundalk against Shelbourne at Tolka Park, could see them slip from their now long held perch at the peak of the Airtricity League Premier Division.
Four goals from Conan Byrne against a nine man Rovers side put paid to any fears that they might have to relinquish their control of the top spot, and further emphasised the growing belief that this may be the Pat’s side to bring the first league title to Inchicore since 1998.
To add to rovers’ woes there may be retrospective disciplinary action brought against Sean O’Connor, following the midfielder’s offensive gesture towards Pat’s fans following his red card.
Dundalk kept up their part of the bargain in this enthralling title race, beating the recently resurgent Shelbourne at Tolka Park. Stephen Kenny’s side earned the three points with a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Andy Boyle and Brian Gartland.
Shels were spared the pain of a return to the foot of the table thanks to Cork City’s 1-0 win over Bohs thanks to an injury time winner.
Elsewhere, Drogheda were 3-0 winners over Limerick and Derry beat relegation threatened UCD by a score of 3 goals to 1.
Sligo Rovers, the only side who look capable of beating either St. Pat's or Dundalk to the title, are in action tonight against relegation sturgglers Bray Wanderers.
