Daryl Horgan among the goals as Dundalk overcome Sligo Rovers

Dundalk's hopes of a top four finish remain alive as they easily brushed aside a sorry looking Sligo Rovers 2-0 at the Showgrounds.

A goal in either half from Daryl Horgan and late substitute Sam Durrant secured what will be one of the Lilywhites' more straight forward wins this season.

The win moved Dundalk within three points of fourth placed Bohemians, while for the Bit O'Red, who ended the game with ten men after Robbie Burton was sent off just short of the hour, this was their first defeat in three on home soil.

After a three-week break from league action for either club, both managers made changes from their respective previous outings. Rookie goalkeeper Conor Walsh returned for only his fifth appearance for Sligo, while John Mahon was also brought back into the fold by manager John Russell.

Dundalk boss Stephen O'Donnell challenged his players to react to some recent criticism thrown their way after their tilt at a place in Europe next season fizzled out prematurely. The Galway man rang the changes, making no less than five adjustments to the side who slipped up against Shels last month. Andy Boyle, Cameron Elliot, Ryan O'Kane, Senan Mullen and Louie Annesley all returning.

The hosts were looking to make it three home victories on the spin, but struggled to create much in front of Nathan Sheppard's goal.

Robbie Benson, who was later withdrawn due to injury, skied an effort from just inside the area on the quarter hour. While Archie Davies had to deflect a Fabrice Hartmann drive past his own goal 60 seconds later at the opposite end.

The Louth side hit the lead on 19 minutes when Sligo failed to track Daryl Horgan's late run. The former Rovers winger ghosted in to pick up Cameron Elliott's pass before slotting the ball