Danny Mandriou’s goal breaks Dundalk’s resolve as Shamrock Rovers close the gap at the top

With a 67th-minute goal from Danny Mandriou, Shamrock Rovers finally broke the resistance of 10-man Dundalk at Tallaght Stadium last night to keep the pressure on Derry City at the top of the table.

Tephen Bradley’s side dominated throughout but struggled to break through stubborn opposition until Mandriou broke past Brian Gartland to dash on Jack Byrne’s exquisite pass and pass Nathan Shepperd.

Stephen O’Donnell’s side fought valiantly to equalize afterwards but their hopes of avoiding a second loss of the season were dashed with almost three minutes to go when Gartland scored after a foul on Aidomo Emakhu for a second bookable offense from the was placed.

Despite being under pressure for most of the time, Dundalk had a choice in the first half as Daniel Kelly headed against the bar after four minutes before being thwarted by Alan Mannus’ legs.

Seán Hoare forced a good save from Shepperd from a corner but they struggled for clear openings until Mandroiu scored his first goal since the opening-day win over UCD.

After Emakhu missed a good chance for a second in the 73rd minute when he drilled across the goal area, substitute Steven Bradley had one last chance to salvage something for the visitors when Darragh Leahy’s long throw fell to him in the box , but he failed to secure the purchase for his efforts to deny his namesake in the Rovers dugout three big points celebration.

Cloverleaf Rover: manus; Hoare, Lopes, Grace; Gannon (Lyon, 62), Watts (Towell, 78), O’Neill, Farrugia (Cotter, 61); Byrne (McCann, 85), Greene (Emakhu, 62), Mandroiu.

Dundalk: Shepherd; Makari, Gartland, Connolly, Leahy; Bone, Doyle (O’Kane, 79); Sloggett (Hoban, 72), Ward (McMillan, 72), Adams (Bradley, 62); Kelly (Martin, 79).

Referee: Ray Matthews (Westmeath).