Saints hold on to seven-point margin

St. Patrick’s Athletic 1 Shamrock Rovers 3

In-form Billy Dennehy put the gloss on this top-of-the-table win with a stunning goal as Rovers maintained their seven point lead.

Saints had the blessed start of the lead goal after just two minutes.

The marking was poor from a David McAllister corner and Ryan Guy, the smallest player on the pitch, rose to head past Alan Mannus from close range.

But Rovers stormed back and levelled a minute before half time when topscorer Gary Twigg shot home the rebound after James Chambers’ free kick came back off a post.

Some super wing play by Dennehy set-up Thomas Stewart to fire Rovers in front on 56 minutes.

Dennehy then hit a belting shot to the net from distance for the third seven minutes later.