Rovers open six point lead as they see off champions Shelbourne

With both managers boasting full strength squads to pick from, the Reds boss Damien Duff deployed full back Tyreke Wilson in a midfield role to try and man-mark the influential Jack Byrne, who had been back to his scintillating best before the mid season hiatus.

WINNER: Josh Honohan scored an own goal in the first half but sealed the winner for Rovers late in the second half. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Shelbourne 1 (Honohan 32’ (OG)) Shamrock Rovers 2 (Cleary 12’, Honohan 83’)

League leaders Shamrock Rovers overcame Champions Shelbourne to open up a 12-point gap over their Dublin rivals.