Six-minute goal spell keeps Rovers in title hunt

Shamrock Rovers 3 Sligo Rovers 1

Three goals in six minutes either side of half-time made it four wins on the spin for Shamrock Rovers to keep their title challenge very much on the boil.

Rovers now go into Monday night’s glamour friendly with Real Madrid unbeaten in ten league games, two points behind leader Bohemians ahead of their game on Sunday night at home to Derry City.

Michael O'Neill's side then travel to Dalymount Park next Sunday to face the champions in a top-of-the-table clash.

Hoops’ keeper Barry Murphy had to make a fine one-handed stop from Matt Blinkhorn before his side came alive at the other end, scoring twice inside as many minutes just before the break.

Tadhg Purcell opened the scoring on 42 minutes when drilling home following a scramble in the area after defender Craig Sives headed on Shane Robinson’s corner.

Murphy had to make an amazing double save from Rob Turner and Blinkhorn at the other end before Hoops doubled their lead.

Central defender Aidan Price arrived at the back to get on the end of Dessie Baker’s deep cross from the right and score with a diving header.

The points were all but secured within three minutes of the second half with the best goal of the night.

Robinson fed Baker who delivered a sublime pass to Stephen Rice and he drew keeper Richard Brush before shooting into the bottom corner for a well-taken goal.

Sligo got a goal back on 63 minutes when left-back Shaun Holmes’ shot was deflected past Murphy.