Shamrock Rovers 1 Sligo Rovers 0: Paul Cook, the new Sligo manager, was preparing to celebrate a scarcely deserved point when Ger Rowe's stunning injury-time shot landed high in the visitors net.  It was just reward for a Rovers side who dominated throughout.

But despite that thrilling conclusion, scenes of jubilation were marred on the final whistle when players from both sides traded punches in an unsightly melee, that escalated out of control.  Its origins are unclear although Danny O'Connor from the Dublin side and Sligo's Piotr Bajdziak received red cards.

The quality of the Tolka Park surface, criticised of late, was much improved but still not conducive to flowing football.  But the Dubliners adapted quickly and while their surges forward lacked a finishing touch they did their utmost to negotiate the tricky conditions.

Moves, on both sides, were regularly spoiled by wicked bobbles, yet that didn't halt the locals.  Their work in the final third lacked conviction but Sligo's defence was never in tune, repeatedly gifting their opponents possession in dangerous positions.

Indeed, the visitors lived dangerously throughout.  Tomislav Arcaba was at full stretch to parry Derek Pender's early cross from sneaking in while David O'Connor's header from David Cassidy's fine cross was cleared off the line.

Despite Chris Turner's early effort from distance, Sligo rarely threatened.  They saw little of the ball and breaks upfield were poorly executed, much to the frustration of the visiting support.  Pat Scully's side suppressed their  opponents in every department, and while their goal chances were scrappy, they should have led at the break.

Harsh words, we assume, were exchanged in the Sligo dressingroom as the Westeners were far more imposing on resumption.  Turner and Adam Hughes stamped their mark in midfield while those around them gradually warmed to the task.

But despite working in a tighter environment, the locals continued to create opportunities.  Cassidy had perhaps his side's best chance when, having collected a cross from the left with 25 minutes remaining, he shaved the post with a low drive.

Keith Foy went close with a long-range free late on but, whatever about a point, Sligo would not have deserved all three. Rowe, though, timed his sweet strike to perfection but recriminations over the scenes on the whistle will persist.

Shamrock Rovers:  Murphy; O'Brien, Ferguson, Price, Pender; Duffy, Cassidy, Danny O'Connor, David O'Connor; Myler, Rowe.  Subs:  Purcell for Duffy (51), Clarke for O'Brien (60), McGill for Myler (66).

Sligo Rovers:  Arcaba; Coleman, MacKenzie, Vasas, Foy; Manson, Turner, Hughes, Bajdziak; Judge, Kudozovic.  Subs:  Cretaro for Coleman (65), McCarthy for Manson (65), Aisien for Judge (77)

Referee: P Tuite (Dublin)