Dundalk go top after Town slip up
Dundalk emerged at the top of the First Division after a tough battle with Cobh Ramblers at Oriel Park on Saturday night. The Corkmen gave their all and were unlucky not to share the points.
Dundalk had much the better of the first half and took a deserved lead in the 11th minute when Brian Morrisroe hit a great shot which gave John Donegan in the Ramblers' goal no chance. Minutes later, Donegan prevented Dundalk from taking control when he made a great save from Anto Reilly.
Dundalk went close again when a good header from John Flanagan came back off the angle of post and bar.
Just before half-time, Willie Byrne, the stalwart in the centre of the Cobh defence was booked.
Byrne, however, proved to be the spark that revived Cobh's hopes when on 54 minutes he hit a great free kick from about 30 yards which deceived John Connolly in the Dundalk goal.
Previously, Cobh had looked dead and buried when David Ward scored with a good shot from the edge of the box.
However the Dundalk midfield wilted as Cobh came forward in strength particularly when Willie Bruton came on as a sub.
But the Dundalk defence held firm and managed to hold on to the precious three points which put them at the top of the table.
© The Examiner