Pat's stay top with win

St. Patrick’s Athletic 2 Shamrock Rovers 1 *

Goals from Anto Murphy and Darragh Maguire moved St Pat’s two points clear at the top of the table, but Rovers can feel aggrieved that they got nothing from tonight’s Dublin derby.

Rovers started brightly but were rocked back on their heels as Saints stole the lead on 25 minutes.

Joseph Ndo, back from injury, worked the oracle when beating several defenders to put Anto Murphy in on goal to shoot past Barry Murphy.

Andy Myler should have levelled on 70 minutes but shot a penalty off a post.

Maguire then struck for the killed second goal when heading home Keith Fahey’s corner on 85 minutes.

Tadhg Purcell gave Rovers a glimmer of home when pulling a goal back minutes later, but Saints held out to go clear at the top again.