Cork City have made it nine wins out of nine as they continued their fine start to the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division with a victory at Bohemians.
And their joy will be coupled with the fact that Dundalk, who have beaten them to the last three League of Ireland titles, lost at Bray Wanderers to fall nine points off the top.
Cork beat Bohs 2-0 away at Dalymount Park thanks to goals in each half from Karl Sheppard and Garry Buckley.
FULL TIME | @bfcdublin 0-2 City. @karlsheppard9 and @GarryBuckley on target, as City make it 9 wins in a row #CCFC84 pic.twitter.com/YTCQvRFVYE
— Cork City FC (@CorkCityFC) April 14, 2017
Dundalk's title defence was dented by the 3-1 defeat at home to a Bray Wanderers who now sit level on points with the champions.
Gary McCabe put Bray in front nine minutes after half time from the penalty spot, before Stephen O'Donnell levelled for Dundalk just four minutes later.
Bray Wanderers' Keith Buckley celebrates after the game ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
But Stephen Kenny's side fell behind to another McCabe penalty 10 minutes later before Ryan Brennan sealed the result 17 minutes from time.
Bottom side Galway United scored a late equaliser from the spot at home to hold second bottom St Patrick's Athletic in their 1-1 draw.
Galway trailed to a 40th minute goal from Rory Feely but Ronan Murray equalised on 89 minutes to split the points, although Galway remain bottom.
Derry City lost 2-0 to Finn Harps at Maginn Park in the Northwest Derby with BJ Banda and Michael Funston scoring late in both halves.
After an inconsistent start to the season, Shamrock Rovers notched their fourth win from nine games in the late fixture after a 1-0 win at home against Sligo Rovers, who remain in the bottom three.
Brandon Miele scored the winner shortly after half time, while Sligo had John Russell sent off midway through the first half.
23' John Russell sent off for Sligo after a terrible tackle on Lopes!
— Shamrock Rovers F.C. (@ShamrockRovers) April 14, 2017
Shamrock Rovers move level on points with fourth placed Derry City.
Results: Friday's SSE Airtricity League Scores
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