League of Ireland round-up:Shamrock Rovers doubled their lead at the top of the Premier Division to six points as they proved too strong for Galway at Tallaght Stadium, running out 3-0 winners.
After inflicting a 6-0 defeat on Sean Connor’s side in the quarter-finals of the FAI Cup last weekend, Rovers dominated from the start, with top-scorer Gary Twigg opening the scoring after 10 minutes when he fired home from Neale Fenn’s delightful chip.
The Scottish marksman drew level with Sligo Rovers’ Padraig Amond in the goalscoring charts with his second of the game and 17th of the season after 26 minutes with a simple tap-in.
And the game was up for Galway six minutes later when Craig Sives made it three from a Stephen Bradley corner.
The result puts Michael O’Neill’s side six points ahead of Bohemians with five games to go and leaves Rovers needing just nine points to seal their first title since 1994.
St Patrick’s Athletic’s slim chance of remaining in the title race was blown apart at Richmond Park as they went down to a 2-1 defeat to Dundalk.
Matthew Tipton gave the visitors the lead after 26 minutes following a one-two with Dan Kearns and the Lilywhites were two up seven minutes into the second half when Ross Gaynor fired home from 10 yards after Dean Bennett had two efforts blocked.
Pat’s, who had Ian Bermingham sent off in the first half, grabbed a goal back on 64 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Dundalk captain Liam Burns was penalised for a challenge on Conor Kenna.
Damian Lynch’s effort was parried by Dundalk goalkeeper Peter Cherri, but the defender made amends by firing home the rebound for what was to prove a consolation effort.
Bray Wanderers fought back from two goals down at the Carlisle Grounds to gain a point against UCD. The result increases their lead over bottom-placed Drogheda United to five points after they were hammered 4-0 at home to Sporting Fingal.