Only the brilliance of Limerick FC goalkeeper Ger O'Connor prevented Sligo Rovers openings up an unlikely three point gap at the top of the first division.

As it was, Don O'Riordan's rebuilt Rovers had to settle for a 0-0 draw at the Showgrounds, but still hold a slender one-point lead at the top. O'Connor made an excellent penalty save from Seβn Flannery after he had pulled down Paul McTiernan on 38 minutes.

Finn Harps' poor start to the season continued as they also had to settle for a 0-0 home draw with Cobh Ramblers. Kevin McHugh had several bad misses as Cobh goalkeeper John Donegan outfoxed him in the second-half.

At Whitehall on Saturday Dublin City and Athlone Town played out a 1-1 draw. Robbie Farrell, back from a three-match ban, headed home to give Dublin City a 23rd-minute lead. A deflection off Thomas McGauley from Shane Harte's 25-yard shot on 44 minutes brought Athlone their equaliser. Athlone midfielder, Eamonn McLoughlin, was somewhat harshly sent-off in the final minute.