Dundalk edge out Sligo to boost European hopes

Daniel Kelly's 10th minute header gave Dundalk’s European hopes a huge boost as they got the better of Sligo Rovers at Oriel Park.

In what was a poor affair the 27-year-old popped up with the game’s only goal a minute after John Russell’s strugglers had missed a glorious opening of their own.

The result sees Stephen O’Donnell’s side move level on points with fourth-placed Derry City, who have played two games less, while they are just three points behind third placed Bohemians.

The Louth men were fortunate to win this game having put in a sluggish display. Luckily for them, Sligo were unable to capitalise although the Bit O Red will feel they should have had a penalty late in the game.

As it stands, they have now won just twice in their last 10 matches and still have work to do to avoid getting dragged into a relegation play-off scrap.

While this was far from vintage Dundalk, it was an important three points and just their third clean sheet in the league at home this season will be a welcome boost ahead of next week's FAI Cup tie away to Bray Wanderers.

It was the visitors who were first to threaten in the ninth minute. Stefan Radosavljevic’s cross wasn’t dealt with and it managed to find Pedro Martelo unmarked at the back post but the Portuguese could only head back across goal and wide, much to his frustration as he kicked the advertising hoarding behind the goal in anger at the miss in the aftermath.

That miss was to prove crucial as Dundalk took the lead at the other end a minute later. Archie Davies found space on the right to hang up a brilliant cross which Kelly headed in at the back post for his 30th goal for the club.

To their credit, the Bit O Red were the most threatening after that and they almost drew level on 26