Sligo Rovers and Dundalk play out Showgrounds stalemate

Dundalk missed their chance to move top of the Premier Division table after playing out a hard-fought stalemate with Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds.

Aiming to leapfrog Derry into the top spot, Stephen O'Donnell made four changes from the Lilywhites’ win over Finn Harps on Monday. Mark Connolly, Daniel Kelly, Pat Hoban and Greg Sloggett all returning.

Rovers gave a first start to full back Paddy Kirk, while midfielder Niall Morahan returned to the starting XI having been introduced as a second half sub in their stalemate with Derry City at the Brandywell.

Both defences had the best of it during a relatively muted opening half in which neither team could find an opener.

Lewis Banks saw his goalward drive bounce off team mate Aidan Keena and wide of Nathan Sheppard’s goal two minutes in. While a bumper Showgrounds crowd had to wait until almost the half hour for Will Fitzgerald to sky his set piece from 20 yards.

The travelling support saw their team create their first chance of note 15 minutes from the interval.

The much talked about Steven Bradley saw his shot, which was aimed at the far post, deflect off the leg of a Rovers defender, before Sligo goalkeeper Ed McGinty brought the attack to a disappointing end.

Opportunities remained scarce for the remainder of the half. Although there was a moment of concern for Shepperd five minutes from the break when Karl O’Sullivan’s cross looped over the rookie net minder, before dropping short of the Welsh youngster’s far post.

Dundalk survived a scare early in the second half after Keena charged his way through the Louth side’s rearguard - Sheppard and Andy Boyle doing just enough to clear the danger.

Lewis Banks turned up a great chance to put his side in the driving seat, but saw his