Rovers were back to winning ways on Good Friday thanks to a 2-1 victory at Oriel Park against Dundalk.

John Russell made one change to the side that lost to Bohemians last weekend with Greg Bolger being replaced in midfield by Lukas Browning. Owen Elding came onto the bench instead of Cillian Heaney in the youngsters first appearance in the First-Team match day squad.

The game started with a fast tempo with both sides trying to get the ball down on a quick playing surface.

On 16 minutes, Rovers took the lead. Fabrice Hartmann found space in the middle and slipped in Will Fitzgerald down the left. The Limerick man’s touch was perfect and it set himself up for a low drilled cross into the six yard box and Max Mata was on hand to score from close range.

The hosts came back into the game soon after, forcing a couple of corners which were well dealt with by the Bit O’ Red.

On 43 minutes, Dundalk were awarded a penalty. Rayhaan Tulloch showed some great skill on the left to go by Frank Liivak and he ended up in the penalty area with his back to goal. John Mahon was behind him and the referee Damien MacGraith pointed to the spot, adjudging Mahon to have clipped the winger.

Tulloch picked himself up and his penalty was initially saved by Luke McNicholas but the former West Brom man scored from the rebound and it was level at half time.

The second half was a tight and tense game with both teams looking for an all important second goal.

Conor Malley done well for the hosts, getting into the area but shooting well wide. Max Mata scuffed at a chance after a cross from Fitzgerald again and Frank Liivak couldn’t quite keep his cross down when he was in a good position inside the Dundalk area.

Greg Bolger, Stefan Radosavljevic and Kailin Barlow were all brought on for the last 25 minutes or so and this proved an inspired decision from Russell as both Bolger and Radosavljevic combined in the 89th minute.

Dundalk’s goal kick went short to Alfie Lewis who was disposessed by Bolger who teed up Radosavljevic and the Faroese attacker dribbled into the area past two defenders and shot into the corner past Nathan Shepperd to give Rovers the win and a valuable three points.

Next up is a trip to Shelbourne on Monday night at Tolka Park before two home games against Drogheda United and UCD next Saturday and Saturday April 22nd respectively.