Pat's open gap at the top

Eircom League:  St Patrick's Athletic weathered a second half fightback from Cobh Ramblers to move four points clear at the top of the eircom Premier League table.

Ryan Guy gave the Inchicore side the advantage after 11 minutes thanks to some good work from Gary Dempesy and Mark Quigley.

The latter latched on to Dempsey's pass down the left and squared it to the far side of the box for Guy, whose finish from a tight angle just inside the box was indicative of the confidence coursing through Pat's of late.

As was the case against Linfield during the week, however, John McDonnell's side were wasteful and could have dropped points in the second half after not securing the insurance goal.

A good night was made better for Pat's by the 1-0 defeat suffered by second place Derry City at the Carlisle Grounds. 

Bray secured the win after Clive Delaney was sent off for 75th minute foul in the box and Alan Cawley converted the spot kick.

A 3-0 win for Cork City against Finn Harps at Turner's Cross sends them into a share of third place with Bohemians.

Alan Kearney opened the scoring after half an hour and Denis Behan doubled the advantage 10 minutes later for some breathing space at the break.

George O'Callaghan sealed their third win of the campaign so far.

Shamrock Rovers could have joined their fellow Dubliners but had to settle for a draw against UCD at Tolka Park.

Rovers could have come away with nothing had Padraig Amond not equalised Derek Doyle's first half goal three minutes from time.