SSE Airtricity League Round-Up: Five star showing from runaway leaders Cork City

After dropping their first points last week when they drew 1-1 with Galway United, Cork City responded in emphatic fashion as they were 5-0 winners against Drogheda United. Sean Maguire and Karl Sheppard got two apiece with Jimmy Keohane getting the other. There are strong rumours that Maguire will sign with Preston North End come the 1st July and that would be a huge blow for Cork if true.

Dundalk remain 13 points behind despite winning 3-0 away against Limerick. Their goals came from Sean Gannon and David McMillan who scored two. Limerick’s cause wasn’t helped by the sending off of their goalkeeper Brendan Clarke after 20 minutes. After failing to tempt Roy Keane away from the international set-up, Limerick have appointed Neil McDonald as their new manager. He has a wealth of experience from his time managing teams in England, and also from being assistant manager to Sam Allardyce on a couple of occasions. McDondald, who watched from the stands on Friday night, said that he spoke with Allardyce before taking the job as Big Sam started his managerial career with Limerick in the 1980’s. Two goals from Dinny Corcoran meant that third place side Bray Wanderers were beaten 2-1 at home by Bohemian FC. Tim Clancy had given them the lead in that game.

Derry City were 3-1 winners at McGinn Park against Shamrock Rovers as they remain fourth and are now only two points behind Bray. Aaron McEneff scored two either side of a strike from Barry McNamee. Graham Burke scored for Shamrock. Galway United continued with their resurgence as they moved out of the bottom three as they came from behind to win 2-1 against Finn Harps. Barry Molloy had given Harps the lead, with Ronan Murray bringing the sides level before Vinny Faherty got the winner in stoppage time. To add further insult to injury for Harps, their manager Ollie Horgan was sent to the stands, he had just completed a five-game ban! As 1-1 draws go the meeting of St. Patrick’s Athletic and Sligo Rovers was one of the more entertaining ones. There was plenty of chances, goal-line clearances and efforts hitting the woodwork. Christy Fagan gave St. Pat’s the lead with Mick Leahy equalising for Rovers. I have to give a special mention to Kieran Sadlier, who was outstanding on the night and on this form will soon be in demand from clubs in England, and already within the league, there is strong interest from both Cork and Dundalk. There was also a bit of off the field drama for Rovers this week as Mathew Stevens had his loan cut short and was sent back to Peterborough, and Tobi Adebayo-Rowling was left out of the squad after both were involved in a, let’s just say adult video which has been leaked and shared around Sligo. And to think they used to say that ‘Dream Team’ was all pure fiction!

In the First Division Waterford continue to lead the way and they were 1-0 winners at home to Longford Town. Cobh Ramblers remain second thanks to their 1-0 win away against third place side UCD. Cabinteely are up to fourth after they beat Asia’s favourite SSE Airtricity League club (allegedly!) Athlone Town 2-0. The remaining game saw Wexford record their first win of the season as they beat Shelbourne 1-0.