UCD relegated as Shamrock Rovers slightly widen gap at the top

There were three home wins in the League of Ireland Premier Division on Friday night, while a scoreless draw for Shamrock Rovers and a loss for Derry City left the top of the table as is and saw UCD relegated from the topflight.

A brace from Thomas Lonergan gave St Patrick's Athletic the lead against Dundalk, with only Daniel Kelly striking back in the 75th for the visitors before Mason Melia finished with a flurry from the penalty spot to end it 3-1 at Richmond Park.

TABLE | SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division

A big night for Shelbourne who climb to 4th while UCD are relegated and we may just have a three-way race for the title on our hands again!#LOI pic.twitter.com/Mp0FsmFJse

— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) September 22, 2023

Meanwhile, Shelbourne hosted Cork City, with Tolka Park treated to an action-packed opening half.

Jack Moylan was first on the scoresheet for Shels, before Ruairí Keating netted his penalty to draw it back level.

On the cusp of half-time, an own-goal from Cian Coleman gave Shelbourne the lead once again, and a scoreless second half left it at 2-1.

Leaders Shamrock Rovers travelled to UCD where they played out a 0-0 draw, sending the hosts to the First Division next season.

A terrific effort to secure a point against the champions tonight but it's the end of the road for UCD in the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division.#LOI | #UCDSHA pic.twitter.com/Dz0kO08aML

— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) September 22, 2023

The result was mirrored at United Park, where Drogheda United and Bohemians' meeting also ended without a goal.

In the final fixture of the night, a late goal from Stefan Radosavljevic snatched a 1-0 win for Sligo Rovers after Derry City's Ronan Boyce saw red at the