Shamrock Rovers 3 Sligo Rovers 1:Michael O'Neill's side closed the gap on Bohemians at the top of the Premier League table to just two points after an emphatic victory over Sligo at Tolka Park tonight.

With the Galacticos of Real Madrid to come on Monday, the Hoops took a 2-0 lead into the break after Tadhg Purcell and Aidan Price scored in the three minutes before half-time.

Stephen Rice then added a third just three minutes after the restart to secure the win. And although Shaun Holmes got one back for Paul Cook’s side in the 62nd minute, the three points always looked safe as they closed in on a Bohemians side that play their game in hand against Derry City at Dalymount Park on Sunday evening.