In seasons past the name of Pat Scully was a regular feature on the scoresheet. As a Shelbourne man the big centre half was a constant goal-getter.

Amazingly, however, last night at Richmond Park his headed goal after 21 minutes of play was the first time he put his name on the scoresheet as a Shamrock Rovers player.

But a crucial goal it was proving the launchpad for the Hoops as they kept pace with Shelbourne and St Patrick's Athletic at the top of the table with a hard fought, but fully deserved 4-1 victory over struggling Dundalk.

Scully, as so often in the past popped up inside the opposing side's area to loop a header from a Greg Costello free kick on the halfway line over Dundalk keeper John Connolly.

And within two minutes it was double celebration for Rovers, as Tony Grant crossed for Sean Francis who produced a stunning left-footed shot past Connolly from 12 yards.

It was no more than the home side deserved as they were playing some delightful attacking football and carving open the Dundalk defence. Indeed they could have made it 3-0 on 28 minutes but Francis miskicked in front of goal.

However, it was a different Dundalk side that came out after the break and their efforts were duly rewarded in the 65th minute when John Flanagan headed home a Donal Broughan free kick.

Yet it was to prove little more than a consolation for the visitors, as Rovers were to score twice more before the end to seal the points.

They restored their two goal advantage in the 70th minute as Billy Woods fired home from close range, while Francis had his second and Rovers fourth six minutes later slotting home after a superb long-range through ball from substitute Gareth Cronin.

And to make it a miserable night for Dundalk goalscorer Flanagan was sent off in the 79th minute for a late foul on Woods.

Earlier in the evening the other scheduled Premier Division match between Galway United and Bray Wanderers was called off due to a waterlogged pitched at Terryland Park.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: O'Dowd, Costello, Byrne (Cronin 67), Colwell, Palmer, Scully (Deans 54), Tracey, T Grant, Francis, Robinson (Kenny 89), Woods.

DUNDALK: J Connolly, Hoey, Crawley, Broughan, McGuinness, Flanagan, Kavanagh, Reilly (Ryan 73), Haylock, Prizeman (Lawless 73), Keddy (McArdle 86).

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).

If there is to be a giantkilling act in the fifth round of the Irish Cup it could happen at Mourneview Park today.

Premier Division strugglers Glenavon, who have lost their way in the league championship, are vulnerable and could come a cropper against their interemediate league neighbours, Lurgan Celtic.

Celtic are the top junior team in the area and it is the first time the clubs will have met competitively and the match has been made all-ticket , with 3,000 offered for sale.

Holders Glentoran take on Newry Town at the Oval.

Shamrock Rovers ... 4

Dundalk ... 1