Jonathan Afolabi scored what proved the winner, his first goal for the champions, after Dylan Watts (a third-minute penalty) and Michael Noonan had also found the net. It was the first time the Hoops had beaten Dundalk in three meetings this season — the only side they had not previously beaten — in a fractious game in which referee Rob Harvey brandished 11 yellow cards, including to both managers. As RTÉ Sport reported, Rovers coach Sean Kavanagh was also shown a red in the tunnel at half-time and a home fan ran on to confront Dundalk players.

Stephen Bradley made seven changes from the side that beat Egnatia 3-1 in the Europa League on Tuesday, with skipper Roberto 'Pico' Lopes serving the first of a three-match ban. The 42 reported the makeshift side did enough despite plenty of sloppiness. Attention now turns to next week's trip to Albania, the latest test for League of Ireland sides flying the flag in Europe.