Limerick defied expectations tonight to avoid automatic relegation from the League of Ireland Premier Division, but in the process it was Drogheda United who slip down into the First Division for next season.

Coming into tonight's final round of action, Limerick were bottom of the top division, two points down on 11th place Drogheda United with a win against Sligo Rovers necessary for the Munster club  - as well as a negative result for Drogheda - to have a chance of avoiding the drop.

Limerick did get their win tonight as they defeated Sligo 3-2 as goals from Shane Duggan, Paul O'Conor and Vinny Faherty proved crucial against a Bit o' Red side that missed a penalty via Dinny Corcoran.

Drogheda were unable to secure the points necessary to achieve survival as they slipped to a 5-3 loss at Shamrock Rovers, having led 2-1 at half-time.

The results means the Louth side go down automatically, while Limerick go into the promotion/relegation playoff against Finn Harps.

In tonight's other Airtricity League games, Cork City survived a late scare to secure the runners-up spot with a 1-0 win over Bohemians at Dalymount Park, while Dundalk wrapped up another successful league campaign with a 4-0 victory over Bray Wanderers.

Aaron Greene's goal was enough for St Pat's to take a 1-0 win away from Galway and Longford Town rounded off their season in style with a 4-2 win over Derry City.