Republic of Ireland round-up: Late stop keeps Shelbourne top

Shelbourne FC's goalkeeper Steve Williams was his team's hero as he saved a last-minute at Cork City FC to preserve the Irish Premier Division leaders' unbeaten record.

Nine men hold on
In a goalless game, the visiting Dubliners had defender Jim Gannon sent off after 75 minutes, and just when it looked as though they would hold on, a foul by Jim Crawford on Cork's George O'Callaghan resulted in a spot kick and a red card for the Shelbourne midfield player. However, Williams's save ensured the nine men remained two points clear.

Waterford saved by own goal
Second-placed Waterford United FC were unable to close the gap as they were held by Longford Town FC. Daryl Murphy put Waterford in front after 12 minutes, but the scores were level pegging soon after following a Thomas Hughes own goal. Visitors Longford kept the pressure on in the second half, but could not claim a winner.

Keddy treble
Shamrock Rovers FC moved to within three points of Shelbourne with a 5-1 victory against Derry City FC. Derry took a 13th-minute lead through Gary Beckett, but a second-half double from Stephen Gough and James Keddy hat-trick transformed the game - Sean Friars having had a penalty saved with a chance to restore the northern side's lead moments after Shamrock Rovers had equalised.

Bohemian edge win
Champions Bohemian FC are still level on points with Shamrock Rovers after beating Drogheda United FC 1-0 - Fergal Harkin scoring a 63rd-minute goal after Paul Keegan had two first-half efforts disallowed, while University College Dublin FC earned their first point of the season with a tense 0-0 draw against St Patrick's Athletic FC.