Dundalk knocked off top spot

Dundalk were knocked off the top of the eircom League First Division table after their first defeat in five months at Century Homes Park on Friday night.
The Lilywhites went into the game three points clear at the top but defeat in Monaghan, coupled with Shamrock Rovers’ win in Limerick, has seen them drop behind the Hoops. The only goal of the game came after just six minutes, Paul Smyth beating Chris Bennion after good work from Austin McCann. Dundalk, without 21-goal top scorer Philip Hughes, were unable to find a way through as second-from-bottom Monaghan held firm for a win which could have a major bearing on the destination of the First Division title race. John Gill’s side were reduced to ten men in the final minute with the dismissal of Robbie Dunne for a second bookable offence.