A late goal from Ronan Teahan meant Sligo Rovers had to settle for a draw against Dundalk at the Showgrounds. The outcome ensured Dundalk will play in the Premier Division next season and continued Sligo's streak without a league win, which now stands at five games with no wins and one draw. Sligo Rovers sit 10th in the Premier Division on 24 points after 34 games, with a record of five wins, nine draws and twenty losses.
Kaiyne Woolery put the relegated home side ahead soon after the second half began. Sean Stewart moved past a defender on the left and sent in a cross that Woolery headed powerfully into the net. This was Woolery's second goal in recent games, having also scored in the 5-1 defeat to Shelbourne on Saturday 9 October.
Dundalk controlled the first half, generating many more attempts on goal than their opponents. The Sligo goalkeeper was active, making saves from several Dundalk players. The visitors' closest opportunity came when a cross was turned toward goal, only for a defender to clear it from the line.
Sligo's resistance broken late
Even with their lead, Sligo found it hard to create good chances. Their goalkeeper made further saves to prevent a second goal for Woolery and to stop a header. The home team's defence was finally beaten as the match neared its end.
A long pass was not cleared by Sligo's defenders, letting a substitute gain possession in the box. His shot was saved by the goalkeeper, but the loose ball went to Teahan, who scored from close range. Teahan said his goal "salvaged a point for Dundalk away to already-relegated Sligo Rovers".
Dundalk nearly won the game at the very end when a pass found a teammate, but the Sligo keeper made another important stop. The draw placed Dundalk back into fifth position and guaranteed their top-division status for the following year. The club stated the result secured their place in the top flight.
For Sligo Rovers, the single point does not change their difficult position. They stay at the bottom of the league, having earned only a small number of points and victories all season. Their recent form is no wins, one draw and four losses, a run that includes heavy defeats such as the 5-1 loss to Shelbourne and a 3-0 loss to Waterford. The team has scored 26 goals this season but conceded 60. Ollie Elding is still the team's leading scorer with 11 goals this campaign. Their next fixture is a difficult away match against league leaders Shamrock Rovers on Friday 23 October, a side they trail by 41 points in the standings.
The report in full is at Dundalk FC
