SLIGO ROVERS re-ignited their title challenge with a deserved 1-0 defeat of Dundalk at the Showgrounds.

Alan Kirby netted the game’s crucial goal ten minutes into the second half, as Rovers won at home for the fourth successive game.

Recalled goalkeeper Brendan Clarke had to pull off an excellent diving save in the dying minutes to deny Michael Hector an equaliser for the visitors.

But Rovers were good value for the win, creating numerous chances with some very attractive football.

The league’s top scorer Eoin Doyle should have added to his growing tally when presented with great chances in either half, while Kirby also spurned a couple of good opportunities before providing the vital goal.

Dundalk were without Jason Byrne, Stephen Maher, Stephen O’Donnell, Greg Bolger and Eoghan Osborne through injury, while Daniel Kearns was banned.

In fact Ian Foster was only able to name four substitutes, though Ross Gaynor did return from suspension.

Rovers lost Joseph Ndo to an early knocked but created a good chance before he went off, when John Dillon broke into the area, and combined with Eoin Doyle to tee up Kirby, but Shane Guthrie made an excellent block.

The Bit O’ Red should really have opened the scoring five minutes later, when Peter Cherrie miscued a clearance and Doyle pounced. He was unable to get his shot away though, instead setting up Kirby, who couldn’t keep his shot on target.

Dundalk’s best chances came from dead-balls, with Keith Ward fluffing a free-kick from a good position, and Ross Gaynor directing another free into the danger area, only for Doyle to make an important intervention.

Paul Cook’s side went close again early in the second half, when Jason McGuinness headed Richie Ryan’s corner off the post, but they finally found the net 10 minutes into the half.

Iarfhalith Davoren did the hard work, breaking down the left before releasing Greene, whose cross was initially cut out by Nathan Murphy, only to fall to Kirby, who rifled the ball home.

They could have got a second two minutes later, as Doyle stole possession deep in Dundalk territory, but Peter Cherrie made a good stop.

Dundalk thought they had equalised with just three minutes left, as Hector shot for the corner from 12 yards out, but Clarke justified his inclusion with a brilliant diving save.

SLIGO ROVERS: Clarke, Keane, Peers, McGuinness, Davoren, Dillon, Ndo (Russell 17), Ryan (Ventre 69), Kirby, Greene, Doyle (Cretaro 82).

DUNDALK: Cherrie, Madden, Guthrie, Hawkins, Murphy, Hector, Bennett, Quigley, Ward, Gaynor, Griffin.

Referee: P Sutton (Clare).