The nineteenth series of matches in the thirty six game season was completed last weekend with Sligo Rovers regaining their five point lead over nearest challengers Dublin City. A Steve Feeney goal midway through the first half was sufficient for Sligo to take all three points from their meeting with Kildare County in the Showgrounds on Saturday evening last.

Second placed Dublin City travelled to Buckley Park where Sligo had slipped up on the previous weekend and they too fell victim to Pat Scully managed Kilkenny City, who were winning their fourth consecutive match. Cobh Ramblers consolidated their third place position when they came from behind at half time to record a home victory over Limerick with the winning goal coming in the last minute of the game.

Another last minute score enabled Dundalk to collect all three points from their visit to Golden Island Park and consign Athlone Town to the bottom of the Division. The final fixture in the series will take place at Century Homes Park on Tuesday evening when Galway United will hope to maintain their recent good form against Monaghan united.

The match of the week is undoubtedly the crucial top of the table clash between Dublin City and Sligo Rovers who meet on Thursday night in Richmond Park, Inchicore. Dermot Keely’s Dublin side may well view this encounter as one they must win if they are to maintain their challenge for the First Division Championship.

Galway United will be in action again on Thursday night when they play host to Athlone Town while the resurgent Kilkenny City will travel to the neutral venue of Century Homes Park in Monaghan to engage the currently homeless Dundalk.

On Friday night, Limerick will be seeking to return to winning ways when they entertain Monaghan United and the final game of this twentieth series of fixtures sees Kildare County in action against Cobh Ramblers at Station Road, Newbridge on Saturday night.