Twigg turns it on as champions Hoops up and running

DEFENDING champions Shamrock Rovers recovered from a disappointing opening half to eventually record an emphatic 3-1 victory over 10-man Dundalk in their Airtricity League Premier Division encounter at Tallaght Stadium last night.

The hosts had a half-hearted claim for a penalty early on as Gary McCabe fell theatrically in the area but his claims were rightly dismissed.

The carnival atmosphere prior to kick-off as Rovers raised the championship flag was quickly dispelled, as the visitors exposed their vulnerable opponents, especially on the right flank.