Hoops win battle of the Rovers

Shamrock Rovers 1 Sligo Rovers 0

Karl Sheppard scored for the fourth game running as Shamrock Rovers beat their putative main rivals for honours this season for a fourth time.

The win keeps the champions three points clear at the top of the table as Sligo slump to sixth place.

The game's only goal came on 35 minutes when striker Sheppard headed home Conor McCormack's cross.

Sligo chased the game hard and were given late hope when Hoops' central defender Ken Oman was sent off on 83 minutes for a second booking when obstructing visiting keeper Brendan Clarke.

In a late flurry, Hoops' substitute Ciaran Kilduff shot into the side netting after rounding Clarke.

Sligo then wasted a chance of an equaliser in stoppage time as Hoops' keeper Alan Mannus saved well from Matt Blinkhorn.