Republic of Ireland round-up: Top two lose
Sunday, January 6, 2002
Article summary
The top two teams surprisingly lost in the Republic of Ireland’s National League on Sunday.
Article body
The top two teams surprisingly lost in the Republic of Ireland’s National League on Sunday to blow the title race wide open.
Leaders stunned
Bottom club Monaghan United FC stunned leaders Shelbourne FC with a 1-0 home win. The only goal of the game came from Derek McGrath in the 78th minute to give Monaghan only their second win of the season.
Byrne the hero
Sunday’s other match saw Jason Byrne hit two second-half goals to earn Bray Wanderers FC a hard-fought 2-1 home win over second-placed Shamrock Rovers FC.
Scully off
The striker found the net in the 64th and 81st minutes to seal a surprise three points against the high-flying visitors from Dublin. Sean Francis hit a last-minute consolation for Shamrock but the game was always beyond them once Pat Scully was shown the red card in the 67th minute.
