First Division Round-Up: Bray and Drogheda maintain title charge as Galway continue unlikely playoff march

Bray Wanderers and Drogheda United have begun to pull away from the chasing pack with wins over Longford Town and UCD respectively.

Elsewhere, Galway United won at home against Brian O’Sullivan’s Wexford while Athlone Town secured their first league win since July 2019 with a victory over Cobh Ramblers.

Meanwhile, Cabinteely saw off Shamrock Rovers II to end a poor run of form that saw the Green and White’s slip to fifth position in the league table.

Bray Wanderers maintained their two-point lead at the top of the First Division table with a comprehensive three-nil win over Longford Town.

Sean McEvoy gave the hosts a deserved lead early in the second half, before he doubled their lead shortly afterwards.

Gary Shaw then scored to wrap things up with just over twenty minutes to play with his sixth goal of the season after a Dylan Barnett corner.

Drogheda United also got back to winning ways with a superb 3-1 win away from home against UCD.

The Boynesiders fell behind in the 17^th minute through Colm Whelan’s opener, however they levelled early in the second half through Mark Doyle.

Doyle then grabbed a second shortly after, but there was still plenty of drama to come late on.

Drogs keeper David Odumosu made a save from Yoyo Mahdy’s spot-kick, while Brandon Bermingham made the game safe in injury time with the last kick of the game.

Galway United earned another three points in their unlikely playoff push, with Enda Curran’s 9^th minute goal enough to see off Wexford at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Two late goals earned Cabinteely the win in their first competitive outing at Tallaght Stadium.

Kevin Knight slotted home a penalty in the 77^th minute and the three points were wrapped up a minute from time thanks to a bullet header from Conor Keeley.

Meanwhile, Cobh Ramblers suffered a huge setback in their own promotion charge as they lost by two goals to one at the hands of Athlone Town.

Ben O’Riordan gave the Rams the lead just past the hour mark before they were pegged back just minutes after with Jack Reynolds’ strike.

Ronan Manning then scored an 84^th minute winner via the penalty spot as Adrian Carberry’s side secured their first league win since July 2019.