LOI: John Martin hat-trick gives Shelbourne victory over Sligo Rovers

Michael Bolton

Defending champions Shelbourne returned to winning ways after a John Martin hat-trick gave them a 3-2 win over Sligo Rovers at Tolka Park.

Sligo took an early lead through Gareth McElroy in the third minute, before Martin equalised for Damien Duff's side in the 34th minute.

Martin scored his second in the 40th minute to give them the lead before half-time, and had his third in the 58th minute.

Owen Elding continued his good form to pull a goal back for Sligo Rovers, but Shelbourne held on for a much-needed win.

Two goals from Mason Melia weren't enough for victory as St Patrick's Athletic and Waterford played out a 2-2 draw.

Waterford got off to a great start with a goal after three minutes from Tom Lonergan, with Melia scoring two goals in five minutes to put Stephen Kenny's side ahead at the interval.

However, St Pat's could not build on the lead, and Conan Noonan's goal in the 81st minute meant the points were shared at Richmond Park.

Shamrock Rovers remain top of the table following a 2-1 win away to Derry City.

Daniel Mullen put Derry ahead in the 65th minute, before Michael Noonan levelled the game in the 71st minute.

In the 89th minute, Aaron McEneff scored the winner to extend their lead at the top of the table

Six points behind Stephen Bradley's side in second is Drogheda United, following their 1-0 win over Bohemians.

A penalty from Douglas James-Taylor sealed the win for Kevin Doherty's side.

In the night's other game, a late goal gave Galway United a 2-1 win at home to Cork City.

Moses Dyer put Galway ahead in the 49th minute, but Cork City drew level through Djenairo Daniels four minutes later.

With five minutes to go, Conor James McCormack scored the winner for the home side to leave them in seventh.