Sligo Rovers suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Dundalk in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division at The Showgrounds on Saturday.

Keith Ward headed home from inside the six yard box after 85 minutes to seal a late win for the Lillywhites.

The game had been fairly even up until that point, with Rovers having the more clear cut chances throughout the opening 85 minutes.

Max Mata headed toward goal on 21 minutes but his header was saved by Nathan Shepperd.

Mata was close again a few minutes later as Hartmann’s pass almost found the striker but he couldn’t reach it on the slide.

Rayhaan Tulloch tested Luke McNicholas soon after with a long range effort which the Mayo native had to tip around the post.

The biggest chance came when Mata headed Will Fitzgerald’s cross into the ground and over the bar before half-time when it looked like he might score the opener.

The second half was a tight affair with not many clear cut chances for either side.

Mata was again threatening when Johan Brannefalk found him in behind but Shepperd again saved and Stefan Radosavljevic’s rebound was blocked down.

The opening goal of the night came when Rovers had a corner which was cleared away by the visitors.

Archie Davies long cross found its way to the back post where Darragh Leahy played a one-two before delivering for Ward to nod home the winner.

It was a dissapointing end to the game for Rovers who face Shelbourne at home next Saturday night at The Showgrounds.