Rovers hit Saints for four to put one hand back on the title

Serge Atakayi gave the hosts an early scare before they roared back to all but extinguish the title race

HOOP HOOP HOORAY: Graham Burke, centre, Roberto Lopes, left, and Richie Towell after their side's victory in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match between Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Shamrock Rovers 4 St Patrick's Athletic 1

Shamrock Rovers showed why they are champions by overcoming a terrible start to destroy St Patrick's on what will likely prove the deciding night in the title race – such as it was.