The ninth series of fixtures in the Eircom Premier League commenced this evening and the biggest beneficiaries are Derry City who emerged from their journey to the Carlisle Grounds in Bray with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Wanderers.

League leaders Shelbourne travelled to United Park and played out what is described as a dour scoreless draw with fellow full time professional outfit, Drogheda United. The other top half of the table contest involved Munster rivals Waterford United and Cork City and they shared the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Regional Sports Centre, Waterford.

Bohemians moved out of the bottom three in the league with a 2-0 victory over Longford Town at Dalymount Park while in the Dublin ‘derby’, homeless Shamrock Rovers travelled across the City and managed a 1-1 draw with their Richmond Park hosts, St Patrick’s Athletic.

These are traumatic times for Rovers and the announcement this evening that the Club has been found guilty of misrepresentation in their Licensing Application heaps further misery upon them. The investigating committee has recommended that Rovers licence be rescinded and while they will be permitted to continue to participate in both League and Cup competitions, they will incur an 8 point league penalty.

Application of this points penalty would have the effect of placing Shamrock Rovers at the bottom of the League with one point. This would leave them one point adrift of Finn Harps who entertain UCD tomorrow evening in the final Premier Division fixture of this weekend.