Bohemians and Drogheda score impressive wins over title challengers
Steven Beattie, Bohemians, scores his side's opening goal despite the efforts of Darren Dennehy, Cork City. SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, Bohemians v Cork City. Dalymount Park, Dublin. Picture credit: Cody Glenn / SPORTSFILE
Cork City have failed in their bid to return to the top of the Airtricity League after a 2-0 defeat to Bohemians at Dalymount Park.
The first goal came after just six minutes when Steven Beattie put his body on the line to head the hosts into the lead.
It could have been 2-0 midway through the half but Kevin Devaney's shot cannoned off the crossbar.
Bohemians were the better side but the teams could have been level on 64 minutes but Liam Kearney's strike was just over the bar.
Brian Lenihan picked up a nasty head injury when competing for a high ball and was reportedly hospitalised as a precaution with the incident resulting in a lengthy delay.
The gypsies needed a second goal to settle their nerves and it arrived with 10 minutes remaining when Eoin Wearen got on the end of Anto Murphy's cross.
Cork City couldn't find a goal in normal time or the 13 minutes of injury time and Bohs should have added at least another.
The result sees Owen Heary's men into the top six in the standings.
Ronan Finn, Shamrock Rovers, in action against Daire Doyle, Drogheda United. SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, Shamrock Rovers v Drogheda United. Tallaght Stadium, Tallaght, Dublin. Picture credit: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE
In the night's other game, Shamrock Rovers lost ground in the title race after they were beaten 1-0 by Drogheda United at Tallaght Stadium.
The goal arrived after 18 minutes and was credited to Gavan Hoolahan who volleyed off the crossbar before the ball hit off Rovers keeper and went in.
Rovers tried to muster a response in the first half but the Drogs nearly had a second just before the break but Carl Walshe was denied brilliantly by Murphy.
Trevor Croly, who now comes under increased pressure, had made all his substitutions by the 69th minute but there were few if any chances and Rovers slipped to a disappointing home defeat.
Here's what the results mean for the League of Ireland table:
