SOCCER
Shamrock Rovers have moved a step closer to a place in this season's Europa League after a resounding 3-0 win tonight at the Tallaght Stadium.
Two goals from Kieran 'Marty' Waters after David Webster's opening strike earned the Hoops a comfortable victory over FC Progres Niedercorn of Luxembourg in their first-round qualifier.
After a scoreless first-leg, Rovers showed took full advantage of home advantage tonight to secure their place in the next round where they will face either Norwegian side, Odd Ballklubb or Sheriff of Moldova, with the Scandinavian side holding a 3-0 aggregate lead ahead of the second-leg of their tie on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Dundalk survived a late fight back from Galway United to open up a nine point lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.
The defending champions appeared to be cruising to victory over their hosts after two goals from Richie Towell and another from Dane Massey had helped them into a 3-0 lead with just over 20 minutes remaining.
But Galway's Enda Curran and Padraic Cunningham both scored during an 11 minute spell to set up a dramatic finish to the game as the league leaders appeared to be on the brink of a collapse until John Mountney scored in injury-time to secure a 4-2 win.
Meanwhile, Sligo Rovers have confirmed that Joseph Ndo and Gavin Dykes are set to remain in charge of the team in the wake of the departure of Owen Heary as their manager.
Elsewhere, former Drogheda and Athlone Town boss Mick Cooke has been appointed as the new manager of Bray Wanderers following Trevor Croly's sudden departure from the club over the weekend.
Listen to Off The Ball's interview with Bray's David Cassidy about the situation at the club:
TENNIS
Serena Williams has kept her bid for a sixth Wimbledon title alive.
The women's top seed is through to the semi-finals after coming from a set down to beat former World No 1 Victoria Azarenka in a thrilling battle on centre court.
Williams will now face Maria Sharapova in the last-four while the other semi-final will be contested by Spain's Garbine Muguruza and Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska.
Also today in the men's draw, Novak Djokovic battled into the last-eight after beating South Africa's Kevin Anderson in a five-set battle.
The Men's top seed will now play in tomorrow's quarter-finals against Croatia's Marin Cilic.
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