St Pat's extend league lead

Shamrock Rovers 0 St Patrick's Athletic 1

A goal from skipper Damien Lynch earned a below par St Patrick's their second Dublin derby win of the season to put them four points clear at the top of the Premier Division table tonight.

It was a harsh result on Rovers, without a win now in four games, as they finished with 10 men from a match they started so promisingly.

Rovers were the better side in the first half, with Sean O'Connor missing a sitter, before Saints snatched what would prove their matchwinning goal on 26 minutes.

Rovers' keeper Barry Murphy failed to catch Stephen Brennan's ball into his box and Lynch drilled home the loose ball.

A brilliant save from Barry Ryan deprived Rovers of an equaliser five minutes before the break when he clawed away Darragh Maguire's goal-bound header.

Rovers failed to maintain their high tempo into a very disappointing second half and St Pat's ground out their win.

Hoops' frustration was compounded on 85 minutes when they had midfielder Danny O'Connor sent off for a second booking following a foul on Ryan Guy.