Shamrock Rovers edge closer to title after seeing off Waterford

Josh Honohan and Matt Healy strike to ensure Stephen Bradley's men move 10 points clear at top of table ahead of Dublin derby against Bohemians

Shamrock Rovers' Matt Healy celebrates scoring their second goal against Waterford FC during the Premier Division clash at the RSC on Monday night. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Premier Division: Waterford FC 1 Shamrock Rovers 2 

Not even a first-half power cut at the RSC could stop Shamrock Rovers in their tracks in their bid to cement top spot in the  Premier Division as they recorded a 2-1 win over a struggling Waterford FC side to stretch their lead at the summit of the table to 10 points.

With a Dublin derby against Bohemians to come on Friday night, Stephen Bradley’s side didn’t have a moment's worry once striking the front through Josh Honohan. Not even a late Tommy Lonergan stunner could deny them victory.

James Olayinka took advantage of a misplaced Adam Matthews pass on 14 minutes before racing at the visiting defence, but his powerful right-footed strike from 25 yards flew inches wide of Ed McGinty’s left-hand post.

The Blues were on the attack again on 23 minutes as Olayinka played a neat pass inside for Sam Glenfield, who let fly with a cracking strike from distance only for his effort to whistle wide of the target with McGinty scrambling across goal.

It took a stunning save from McMullan to deny the Tallaght outfit five minutes later when Matt Healy sent in a brilliant right-wing free that found the head of Dan Cleary, but the netminder got down low to his left to tip the ball around the posts.

After the Blues cleared the initial corner out for a throw, the league leaders went in front from the resulting attack. Adam Matthews’ long throw was touched on by Cleary to the back post, where Josh Honohan arrived on cue to finish at the back post.

Rovers made a triple change with 71 minutes on the clock and within 60seconds, they doubled their lead. Graham Burke, who entered the fray for John McGovern, slipped the ball infield for Matt Healy, who turned onto his left foot, and he beat keeper McMullan with a sweet 25-yard  strike.

As time ticked down into the final minute, the home side pulled a goal back when Muhammadu Faal’s ball into the area was headed by Rovers defender Dan Cleary into the path of Lonergan, who powered a left-footed volley to the back of the net.

WATERFORD FC: McMullan; Miles (Faal 88), Horton, Radkowski, Burke, Dempsey (White 81); Olayinka, Rossiter, Glenfield, Coyle (Lonergan 58); Amond.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: McGinty; Cleary, Lopes, O’Sullivan; Matthews, Nugent, Healy, Honohan; Mandriou (Watts 71), McEneff (Gaffney 71), McGovern (Burke 71).

Referee: Rob Harvey (Dublin).