Dundalk – Shelbourne

Dundalk fell to a 1‑2 defeat at home, allowing sixth‑placed Shelbourne to climb to 36 points while the visitors remain fourth with 41. The result widened the gap in the head‑to‑head tally for the season, with Shelbourne now holding two wins to Dundalk’s single from their three encounters. Despite a narrow 47‑46 goal difference, Dundalk’s 10 victories could not stave off the loss, leaving them still three points clear of Shelbourne but with only four games left to secure a European spot. Shelbourne’s three draws and nine defeats this campaign underline the importance of the three points gained, tightening the race for a top‑four finish.