Dundalk FC keep slip hopes of top-four finish after defeating Sligo Rovers

Sligo Rovers 0-2 Dundalk

Dundalk FC kept their slim hopes of a top-four finish in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division alive after defeating Sligo Rovers 2-0 at The Showgrounds tonight.

Goals in either half from Daryl Horgan and Sam Durrant sealed the win for The Lilywhites, who could still qualify for Europe with victories in their final two fixtures.

However, even wins against Bohemians at home in their next game and at UCD the week after would still require Bohs and Shelbourne both dropping points on the final night.

A good performance in Sligo served as a reminder of what Dundalk have been capable of at times this season, but inconsistency hast likely already cost them a European windfall.

The first real opportunity of the night fell the way of the visiting side, with Robbie Benson taking a touch inside a crowded penalty area before lifting his attempt off target.

The Lilywhites took the lead not long after that, on 19 minutes, when Cameron Elliott broke down the right, squaring for Horgan to finish through the legs of Conor Walsh.

Benson was impressive before having to be substituted due to injury five minutes before half-time, and his incisive pass found Horgan, who teased Sligo defensive duo Garry Buckley and John Mahon before chipping an effort just over the top of the crossbar.

At the centre again, Benson left Buckley on the floor before racing through on the left, but Sligo goalkeeper Walsh did well to save at his near post from the Athlone native.

A set-piece from the left, stepped over by Benson, was taken by Ryan O’Kane and flicked on by the head of Horgan, but Walsh gathered easily as Dundalk continued to dominate.

Sligo’s best chance of the half arrived on 38 minutes when Nathan Shepperd saved from Greg Bolger after Andy Boyle’s headed clearance went only as far as the ex-Lilywhite.

Dundalk had one more opportunity to double their lead before the interval, with O’Kane racing between two adversaries, but the 20-year-old’s effort just couldn’t find the target.

Making his first competitive start for the club, Senan Mullen partnered Greg Sloggett in midfield, and fired a shot wide of the intended target 10 minutes into the second period.

The Bit O’Red were reduced to 10 players just shy of the hour-mark, with Robbie Burton – linked with a move to Dundalk in the summer – booked for clipping Connor Malley, but his reaction to that call yielded a second yellow card from referee Paul McLaughlin.

Sligo’s best chance of an equaliser came on 77 minutes, with Kailin Barlow’s pass cutting Dundalk open, with Johan Brannefalk then being foiled by the imposing Shepperd.

Stephen O’Donnell showed little reaction as his side made the points safe on 88 minutes, when an Archie Davies low cross was turned home by substitute Durrant, who was only on the pitch three minutes as Dundalk kept their slim chances of a top-four finish alive.

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

Subs not used: Richard Brush (gk), Daniel Lafferty, Stefan Radosavljevic, Lukas Browning

Dundalk FC: Nathan Shepperd; Archie Davies, Andy Boyle, Louie Annesley, Hayden Muller; Greg Sloggett, Senan Mullen (Patrick Hoban 85); Daryl Horgan (Daniel Kelly 71), Robbie Benson (Connor Malley 40), Ryan O’Kane (Sam Durrant 85); Cameron Elliott (Paul Doyle 85)

Subs not used: Peter Cherrie (gk), Darragh Leahy, Keith Ward, Darren Brownlie

Referee: Paul McLaughlin (Donegal)