Shamrock Rovers lost 3-1 to Dundalk on Friday night, a result that puts pressure on their position at the top of the Premier Division. The Hoops took an early lead through a Dundalk own goal but conceded three times in the second half at Oriel Park.
Bradley's side remain in first place with 68 points from 35 games, but their advantage over Bohemians is now six points. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with three wins and two defeats in their last five outings. The team's record this season stands at 20 wins, eight draws and seven losses from those 35 matches, with 58 goals scored and 35 conceded.
How the match unfolded
Rovers went ahead after 23 minutes when Dundalk defender Robert Cornwall turned the ball into his own net. The visitors could not build on that advantage, and the game turned after the break.
Dundalk equalised just before the hour mark. Keith Buckley set up Daryl Horgan, who finished to make it 1-1. The home side then took control with two quick goals from Cian Dillon. He scored in the 65th minute and again three minutes later, assisted by Ronan Teahan, to complete the comeback.
Bradley made several changes at half-time, introducing Jonathan Afolabi, Lee Steacy and Luke O'Regan. Further substitutions followed but Rovers could not find a way back into the game. The match statistics told a stark story, with Dundalk registering 28 shots to Rovers' six.
League context and next steps
The defeat follows a 4-0 win over Sligo Rovers and a 2-0 loss to Galway United. In that victory over Sligo, goals came from Adam Brennan with a brace, Aaron Greene and Dylan Watts. Rovers have scored 58 league goals this season, with Rory Gaffney their top scorer on nine.
Attention now turns to a key home fixture. A victory is essential to solidify their lead at the summit. The team's recent sequence of results, reading as three wins and two losses, began with a 3-1 victory over Drogheda United on October 8 and a 2-1 win against Bohemians on October 12.
