Sligo open campaign with a win

National League round-up:Sligo Rovers opened the defence of their Airtricity League title with a deserved 1-0 win over Derry City at the Brandywell.

And while the home lot may have struggled due to injuries and suspensions, nothing could be taken away from the visitors who, despite the blustery conditions, controlled the game and successfully defended their slender lead when required.

The hero of the night from a Sligo point of view will be debutante striker, Anthony Elding, who led from the front when netting the game's only goal which was fashioned by a fluent move and a superb low cross from Rafa Cretaro, who made it easy for the ex-Grimsby hitman on the half hour.

At the Carlisle Grounds, veteran striker Jason Byrne was the Bray Wanderers hero when his second half header was enough to see the Seagulls win 1-0 against ten man Shelbourne.

Shelbourne suffered a major setback on 27 minutes when reduced to ten men after Paul Crowley was shown the red card by Clare referee Padraig Sutton after a clumsy two-footed midfield challenge on Daire Doyle.

And having gone previously, Bray eventually had their noses in front on 67 minutes when a high cross from Waters on the left allowed the industious Byrne to head powefully home from close range.

Bohemians ran out 2-1 winners over UCS with Kevin Devaney the match winner. Bohemians got a foothold in the game on 21 minutes as a clumsy challenge by Mark Langtry on Chris Lyons saw the referee award a penalty and send off the UCD left-back.

After some protesting form the visitors, Lyons empathically sent keeper Ger Barron the wrong way to give Bohemians an undeserved lead.

After Lyons shot wide following a howler of a clearance from Barron with the UCD keeper redeeming himself with a good stop minutes later from Devaney, a second penalty brought the Students level ten minutes into the second half.

Delany spilled a tame shot from Robbie Benson and tripped McMillan as he tried to retrieve it. McMillan calming converted. Bohemians regrouped and won it on 65 minutes. UCD failed to deal with substitute Karl Moore’s ball into the box and Devaney turned to rifle home.

Shane McFaul came off the bench to give St Patrick's Athletic the perfect start to the new campaign with a 1-0 win over Drogheda United at a soggy Richmond Park.

McFaul's goal on 65 minutes gave the home side three points from a game that had been in doubt until 45 minutes before kick-off following heavy rain which left puddles of water scattered around the pitch.

St Pat's ground staff worked hard to clear the water off the surface in the early evening before referee Alan Kelly gave the final all-clear at 7pm.

And Dundalk will be pleased to have taken a point against Shamrock Rovers, the sides finishing 0-0 at Oriel Park.