GALWAY UNITED 2 (Murphy 22, 54) SLIGO ROVERS 1 (Williams 12)
KILDARE COUNTY 3 (B O’Connor 19, 56, 64) MONAGHAN UNITED 0
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Eric Hannigan’s Kildare had won just ten points from their previous eleven games, but this vital win edges them just two points behind fourth-placed Limerick, heading into a final day meeting between the sides.
Former Irish Under 21 international O’Connor netted his first goal in seven games, heading home past United goalkeeper Vladimir Muntanu in the nineteenth minutes.
Monaghan foraged well through Trevor Vaughan and Paul Shiels but further strikes from O’Connor, his eighth and ninth league goals of the campaign on 56 and 64 minutes, sees the Thoroughbreds needing full points next Saturday to ensure the final promotion play-off spot.
There was nothing but pride to be fought between Galway United and Sligo Rovers in the western derby at Terryland Park, but two goals either side of half-time handed the points to the home side Galway.
Striker Alan Murphy scored twice, netting his 21st strike in 30 league starts in the 54th minute, for a 2-1 result that has little effect on their mid-table stance.
Earlier Barbados international Rivere Williams had put the visitors into the lead on 12 minutes, before the top scoring Tribesman Murphy hooked home from close range to level by the opening half’s midpoint.