Good news for Dundalk FC

Eircom League First Division title contenders Shamrock Rovers have failed in an appeal against the three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player in a league game earlier this season.

The Hoops were docked three points for fielding Paul Shiels in a First Division game against Dundalk in July.

Shiels had picked up a suspension during his time with Dublin City and should still have served a ban following the Vikings’ collapse.

Rovers appealed against the decision, arguing that they should have been notified of the outstanding ban after Dublin City’s demise.

But their appeal has been dismissed, meaning they remain, ironically, three points adrift of Dundalk at the top of the First Division table.