While Glenanne and Pembroke Wanderers seem set to take first and second places in the Leinster Senior League, the chase for the third berth in the all-Ireland playoffs is now likely to involve not only Corinthians and Railway Union but also Monkstown.

Monkstown have come into the frame as the result of beating Corinthians for the second time, winning 3-1 at Rathdown on Saturday. The boost of a first-minute goal, with Ian Stuart getting a touch to a long ball from Jason Harte, set them on their way. Colin Stewart got a quick equaliser but the home side went on to defend stoutly and to finish tigerishly.

In the closing stages, Brian Groves made it 2-1 following a short corner and after Ian Allen had a penalty stroke saved by Peter Darley, the alert Stuart tucked away his second goal from a pass by Simon Cox.

Railway Union meanwhile were much too positive for Avoca at Park Avenue and would have won by a wider margin than 3-0 but for the defiance of the visitors' goalkeeper Stephen Kinsella.

The three strikes which beat him were all of South African origin, coming from Shawn Hopkins, Sean Southgate and Jason Hatcher, but Railway were also strongly served, at the back, by Padraig O'Brien.

Although Glenanne found themselves one down to YMCA's habitual scorer Eric Gierts at Tallaght, the league leaders eventually found their rhythm - especially after the departure of Gierts - and led 4-1 at the interval before completing a 6-1 victory. Two of the goals, from John Goulding and Mark Lambe, were of notable dexterity.

Pembroke registered five goals in each half against Clontarf at Serpentine Avenue.