Shamrock Rovers' early-season surge continued at The Showgrounds on Saturday night when they defeated an understrength Sligo Rovers 3-2.

A defensive error brought a tame game to life as Bohemians clinically punished their visitors to take a ninth minute lead.

First-half goals from Ronan Hale, who netted with a marvellous strike, and Chris Forrester gave St Patrick’s Athletic a fully merited 2-0 win against a poor Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds.

Former Limerick player Karl O’Sullivan bagged what turned out to the be the winner on his debut for Finn Harps as they opened their account with a north-west derby win over Sligo Rovers at Finn Park yesterday evening.