Republic of Ireland round-up: Shelbourne stay clear

Wesley Houlihan was the hero for Shelbourne FC as they stayed clear at the top of the National League table thanks to a 2-1 win away at Dundalk FC on Sunday, a result which pushed Dundalk closer to the relegation zone.

Houlihan double
It took Houlihan, who was only in Shelbourne's starting eleven because striker Stephen Geoghegan fell sick on the morning of the game, 56 minutes to score the opening goal, finishing well from Martin Gritton's cross. Within ten minutes Houlihan scored a second goal when he raced clear to beat Dundalk goalkeeper John Connolly. Donal Broughan scored a consolation for the hosts eleven minutes from time, netting from the penalty spot after Cormac Malone was fouled inside the box.

Crucial win
Galway United FC won the battle of the basement clubs as they earned a crucial 2-1 away win against Monaghan United FC. Stephen Murphy opened the scoring for Monaghan with a header after just six minutes but Alan Murphy drew Galway level five minutes before the break after good work by Michael Quirke. Murphy then scored his second, three minutes into first-half injury time. Galway survived a late red card for Colin Fortune and held on to win.

Bray in trouble
Bray Wanderers AFC are in danger of being sucked into a relegation battle after Pat Devlin's side lost 2-0 at home to Cork City FC. Cork needed a win to stay in touch with the title race and Ollie Cahill scored the opening goal on 17 minutes. The visitors doubled their advantage after an hour, when Pat Morley slammed home.