Shamrock Rovers extended their lead at the top of table thanks to an emphatic 4-0 win over Dundalk at Oriel Park. Jack Byrne netted twice as the Tallaght side cruised to a victory at the home of the champions. With one eye on their tie against Klak
Shamrock Rovers extended their lead at the top of table thanks to an emphatic 4-0 win over Dundalk at Oriel Park.
Jack Byrne netted twice as the Tallaght side cruised to a victory at the home of the champions.
With one eye on their tie against Klaksvik at Aviva Stadium this week, the home side made 10 changes to the side which beat Sheriff in the Europa League qualifiers. Rovers knew a win would extend their lead at the top to eight points over rivals Bohemians.
It took until the half-hour mark for the first real chance of the game. Nathan Oduwa received a cross field pass from Chris Shields and he tore down the left and crossed for David McMillan whose side foot volley couldn’t beat Allan McManus in the Rovers goal.
But it was Byrne who opened the scoring five minutes later. The Ireland international started and finished the move and collected the ball six-yards out and at the second attempt forced his effort over the line.
Four minutes later it was 2-0. A Byrne corner caused confusion in the box and McMillan was the last person to touch before it crossed the line for an own goal.
It got worse for Dundalk on 44 minutes when the visitors were awarded a penalty after a push on Liam Scales following a corner. Aaron McEneff stepped up to fire it past Aaron McCarey.
Dundalk grew into the game in the second half but the game was ended as a contest when Byrne showed great speed to get beyond Shields, round McCarey and finished from a tight angle for his second of the night.
