Leaders fail to grab the initiative

The three-way share at the top of the table remains unchanged as Drogheda United, Cobh Ramblers and Galway United each only managed draws over the weekend.

Drogheda lead on goal difference, yet they were lucky to come away with a 1-1 draw from Buckley Park on Saturday night. Fergal Coleman put them in front in the 76th minute, but Kilkenny's Michael Reddy banged a header home two minutes later for the equaliser that keeps their fourth place position safe.

Ollie Keogh had a mixed day for Galway United converting a penalty to give them an early lead but missing another that could have given them a win over Longford Town at Strokestown Road. His first opened the scoring after 13 minutes, but the second, just six minutes later, was sent well wide. Longford brought things level midway through the half with a Ken Lundyn goal. They also had two penalty claims turned down by referee Eddie Barr in the later stages.

Cobh Ramblers had a 1-1 draw with Limerick on Friday night.

Yesterday's clash between Monaghan United and Athlone Town at Gortakeegan was decided by a 54th-minute penalty by Karl Wilson. The win pushes Monaghan a small step clear of the relegation zone. Wilson's spot kick was enough to keep the home side in a defensive mode for the rest of the game. They preserved their lead despite losing Mick Scully to a red card for an off-the-ball incident. Colin Fortune's move to Dundalk didn't help Athlone's chances and they continue to struggle one place from last.

St Francis fell into deeper trouble following their 1-0 defeat to Home Farm-Everton at John Hyland Park. St Francis had their chances early on, but Robbie Farrell had the visitors in front after 36 minutes and from there on it was desperate defending for the bottom of the league side.