Dundalk 2-1 Waterford United

Dundalk took a hugely significant step towards the First Division title at Oriel Park as Paul Crowley's first half double sent them five points clear of second placed Waterford United.

The midfielder netted twice in the space of 15 minutes to hand John Gill's side a massive victory with just 12 games remaining in the race for promotion to next season's Premier Division.

The home side opened the scoring after just 12 minutes with Crowley sending a cracking volley past Packie Holden after a trademark run into the penalty area.

The tabletoppers then went close to doubling their advantage five minutes later when a blistering low volley from Jamie Duffy from just outside the box flashed inches wide.

Oriel Park was then left in a state of shock on 18 minutes when Waterford equalised totally against the run of play. Ian Ryan pulled down David Grincell 25 yards from goal but a good bit of advantage was played by referee Graham Kelly as Luke Fitzpatrick picked up possession before racing through on goal to slot a left foot under Chris Bennion.

Dundalk were back in front on 27 minutes, however, with Duffy's inswining free kick being headed back across the face of goal by Paul Smyth with Crowley on hand to nod home a free header.

The home side had to survive a scare before the break, however, as it took a fantastic last ditch tackle by captain John Flanagan to deny Grincell a simple tap-in after Fitzpatrick's deflected effort fell invitingly to him.

Waterford pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half but were limited to no real chances of note as the home side went closer to adding to their advantage.

On 65 minutes Smyth got in behind the visitors defence down the left but his effort was straight at Holden.

The Waterford number one then had a major let off a minute later when Paul Shiels fired well wide with the 'keeper caught in no man's land.

Dundalk then went agonisingly close to wrapping the game up on 79 minutes when a superb ball from left to right by Dessie Baker was met first time on the volley by David Cassidy who saw his effort flash inches the wrong side of the post.

Waterford threw men forward in the closing stages in an effort to rescue something from the game but the Louthmen were able to hold out to move five points clear at the top of the table.

Dundalk: Bennion, Flanagan, Ryan, Whelehan, Crawley, Cassidy, Shiels, Crowley, Duffy (Doyle, 74 mins), Baker (Marney, 90 mins), Smyth (Vaughan, 87 mins).

Waterford United: Holden, Brown, Breen, Hayes (Fitzgerald, 78 mins), Clarke, Fitzpatrick, Warren, Foley, Watters (Mulcahy, 72 mins), Bermingham (Kiely, 69 mins), Grincell.

Referee: Graham Kelly (Cork).