Rovers still on winning streak

Shamrock Rovers 2 Drogheda United 0

Strikers Dessie Baker and Graham Barrett tormented 10-man Drogheda as Shamrock Rovers comfortably regained their two-point lead at the top of the Premier Division table.

Unbeaten now in 22 league games, Rovers never looked in much difficulty of maintaining their relentless run as they took the lead after just six minutes.

A miss-placed pass by Barrett confused Drogheda right-back Scott Gibb to run through to Baker who drove a low shot past Paul Skinner for his seventh goal of the campaign.

Second-from-bottom Drogheda’s task was made all the greater on 23 minutes when defender Conor Kenna was sent off for tripping Barrett as he ran through on goal.

Skinner then kept Drogheda in it four minutes later when saving well with his feet from Sean O’Connor before Rovers’ front two combined again for a sublime second goal on 43 minutes.

Baker nonchalantly nodded a long clearance into the path of Barrett who toed the ball first time past Skinner for his first goal for the club.

Barrett might have added a third on 80 minutes, but his delightful chip over Skinner clipped the crossbar.

Skinner then did well to save with his feet to thwart substitute Padraig Amond three minutes from time.