Shamrock Rovers  1    St. Patrick’s  Athletic   0

 

 

Gary Twigg lifted Shamrock Rovers in every sense with a superb goal to win a thrilling top of the table clash at a sun-drenched Tallaght Stadium.

 

The victory, which saw Hoops leapfrog St. Pat’s back to the top of the table, was just the tonic everyone at the champions needed after a week which the loss of that leadership followed by the resignation of coach Trevor Croly.

 

The wonderfully worked goal, which came seven minutes into the second half, was worthy of winning any match.

 

Gary McCabe flicked the ball inside to Ronan Finn who fed Twigg. The Scot then worked a one-two with strike partner Ciaran Kilduff before sweeping the ball home off his trusted left foot.

 

St. Pat's, second best for much of the game, pressed late on and Shane McFaul headed over from a Derek Doyle corner in the final minute.

 

Rovers shaded the first half with Finn, and Twigg, twice, just off target while Enda Stevens brought the save of the opening 45 from Gary Rogers after a surging run down the left.

 

St. Pat’s did have their moments, though, with Doyle fluffing a good opening when shooting weakly at Alan Mannus while Daryl Kavanagh shaved the outside of a post with a shot from long-range.

 

Shamrock Rovers: Mannus; Sullivan, Sives, Oman, Stevens; McCabe (Kavanagh, 86), Finn, Rice, Dennehy; Kilduff (Kelly, 70), Twigg (McCormack, 80).

St. Patrick’s Athletic: Rogers; Pender, E. McMillan, Shortall, Bermingham; Murphy (D. McMillan, 74), Bradley (McFaul, 59), Mulcahy (Daly, 80), Doyle; North, Kavanagh.

Referee: Dave McKeon (Dublin).