Dundalk’s push for the title continued at Oriel Park last night as a Patrick Hoban hat-trick helped the Lilywhites to a 3-0 win over struggling Bohemians.
The win leaves Stephen Kenny’s side joint second in the table, just three points off league leaders St Patrick’s Athletic – who are in action tonight.
In a game of few chances, Dundalk took the lead on 27 minutes when Hoban stole in ahead of goalkeeper Dean Delany to turn Dane Massey’s cross to the net from six yards.
The home side then doubled their advantage in the 56th minute when a superbly weighted pass from Kurtis Byrne allowed Hoban to sneak in behind the Bohs defence to head over the out rushing Delany.
Hoban then made sure of the win on 64 minutes with an audacious goal from wide on the right for what was his 11th of the season.
Bohs finished the game with ten men after veteran Owen Heary saw red for a late challenge on Hoban and an otherwise happy night at Oriel was soured afterwards when some supporters clashed outside Clarke Station.
