Irish Soccer Round-Up: Late Drama in Premier and First Divisions
Ardee News and Sport – Irish Soccer Round-Up: Late Drama in Premier and First Divisions as Title Races Heat Up
Irish Soccer Round-Up: Late Drama in Premier and First Divisions as Title Races Heat Up
SSE Airtricity Premier Division
At The Showgrounds, Sligo Rovers produced a spirited second-half comeback to earn a 2-2 draw with Drogheda United—knocking the Louth side off the top of the Premier Division table in the process.
Despite falling behind to well-taken goals from Conor Keeley in the 28th minute and Thomas Oluwa shortly after the hour mark, John Russell’s men showed impressive resolve. Owen Elding pulled one back on 67 minutes with a composed finish after Will Fitzgerald’s clever cutback. Just six minutes later, substitute Francely Lomboto’s low ball was turned into his own net by Drogheda’s James Bolger, levelling the match.
Drogheda had looked in control for much of the first half and had taken the lead through Keeley’s composed finish after good work by Andrew Quinn. Oluwa doubled the advantage, pouncing on a defensive misjudgment by John Mahon. But the Drogs’ inability to close out the match and a costly own goal saw them lose ground in the title race—now without a win in four of their last five.
The result lifts Sligo’s spirits and dents Drogheda’s early-season momentum, marking a pivotal moment in the Premier Division campaign.
SSE Airtricity First Division
In the First Division, Dundalk were left frustrated after a goalless draw away to Athlone Town, dropping more points in their bid for automatic promotion. It marks their third draw in four games, despite dominating possession and territory. Still, the Lilywhites extended their lead at the summit slightly after Bray Wanderers suffered a gut-wrenching 2-1 loss to Cobh Ramblers at St Colman’s Park.
Jamie Duggan gave Bray the lead early on, but Cian Murphy equalised before halftime. In a dramatic finale, Cian Bargary netted a stoppage-time winner on the break, earning Cobh a massive three points and moving them within five points of top spot.
Elsewhere, Kerry stunned UCD with a 1-0 win at Belfield, despite conceding two penalties—both of which the Students squandered. Sean McGrath’s penalty proved decisive, snapping a three-match losing streak and lifting Kerry to eighth.
Treaty United also had cause to celebrate as goals from Robbie Lynch and Mark Byrne secured a crucial win that sees them rise to fourth on 18 points. Meanwhile, Finn Harps remain in seventh after a bye week, while Wexford look to consolidate fifth place when they take on bottom side Longford Town on Saturday.
Upcoming Fixtures to Watch:
Will Drogheda bounce back and reclaim the top spot?
Wexford vs Longford Town (Saturday)
Cobh Ramblers continue their charge for promotion
