Leahy sees red for Dundalk as Sligo keep alive top-four push

An Andy Boyle own goal coupled with Frank Liivak's first Sligo Rovers goal boosted the Bit O’Red’s outside chances of a top-four finish as they saw off 10-man Dundalk at the Showgrounds.

Dundalk’s Darragh Leahy saw red on 23 minutes before Lilywhites skipper Boyle turned the ball into his own net just short of the hour. While Estonian international Liivak doubled the host’s lead seven minutes from time.

Struggling recently on the domestic scene with just one win from their last five in league and cup, a Sligo side in need of points made two changes from their derby defeat to Finn Harps. Max Mata and Karl O’Sullivan making way for the experienced Greg Bolger and Estonian international Liivak respectively.

Following an energy-sapping extra-time win over Wexford in the FAI Cup last week, Dundalk boss Stephen O’Donnell brought Leahy, Alfie Lewis, Ryan O’Kane, John Mountney and John Martin all back into the fold.

During an eventful opening half, it was the home side who produced the more promising start.

Top scorer Aidan Keena had the ball in the net five minutes in, but Liivak had strayed into an offside position in the build-up. While Will Fitzgerald failed to make the most of a poor pass from Dundalk goalkeeper Nathan Sheppard seconds later.

Rovers were almost the architects of their own downfall on nine minutes when a Shane Blaney mis-hap allowed John Martin in. Sligo goalkeeper Luke McNicholas saving his defender’s blushes as he got across to keep out Martin’s low effort from the angle.

The game’s big talking point arrived on 23 minutes when, trying to track Keena’s run, Leahy stumbled and fell onto a through ball from Paddy Kirk. Deciding Leahy was the last man, referee John McLoughlin issued Leahy with a straight red after