Sligo Rovers moved one step closer to European qualification thanks to a hard earned win over Dundalk in a six goal thriller at Oriel Park.

 

The early start may have taken its toll on the attendance at the Louth venue but it certainly didn't affect the players who gave it their all in one of the most entertaining matches of the 2010 Airtricity League season.

 

A cracking first-half finished with Sligo Rovers holding a 2-1 lead. Tom Miller missed a gilt edged chance to put Dundalk in front after nine minutes and three minutes later Matthew Blinkhorn put the Bit O'Red in front, sidestepping Garry Breen to find the net brilliantly.

 

Dundalk hit back when Ross Gaynor's overhead kick looped over John Gibson in the 26th minute and seconds later they were almost ahead when Simon Madden's cross from the right almost caught the Sligo 'keeper napping.

 

Gavin Peers should have restored Sligo's lead when he flashed a free header wide from eight-yards and Peter Cherrie had to save twice from Richie Ryan Ryan free-kicks as the half fizzed along at a frenetic pace.

 

The home side's hopes were dealt a major blow in the space of 120 seconds. Wayne Hatswell was shown red for a second bookable offence on Gary McCabe in the 39th minute and from the resulting free-kick, Joey Ndo teed up Ryan who this time gave Cherrie no chance with a rasping effort.

 

The second-half continued to entertain. Dundalk drew level again when Gaynor deceived Gibson with a clever free-kick in the 54th minute but Sligo were back in front just seconds later when Alan Keane sent Cherrie the wrong way from the penalty spot after Garry Breen had taken McCabe down.

 

Sligo put the result beyond doubt in the 75th minute when Joseph Ndo rolled the ball past Cherrie after he had dispossessed Tom Miller outside the Dundalk penalty area. 

 

Dundalk: Cherrie; Madden, G Breen (Maher 60), Burns, Hatswell; Kearns, Miller, Bennett, Gaynor; Kuduzovic, Tipton.

 

Substitutes Not Used: Murphy, Kelly, J Breen, Lennon.

 

Sligo Rovers: Gibson; Keane, Peers, Lauchlan, Davoren; McCabe (Ventre 83), Ryan, Ndo, Doyle; Dillon (O'Grady 71), Blinkhorn (McGoldrick 80).

 

Substitutes Not Used: Kelly, Foran.

 

Referee: T Connolly (Dublin).