Drogheda United got the perfect send-off ahead of next week's Uefa Cup tie in Helsinki as goals from Jason Gavin and Eamon Zayed moved them top of the eircom League standings.
The FAI Cup holders, who face Helsinki in a Uefa Cup qualifier on Thursday, wasted no time in dismantling St Patrick's Athletic in front of their own fans with Gavin giving Paul Doolin's side the lead on five minutes before new signing Zayed marked his debut with a goal just 10 minutes later.
Alan Reilly pulled one back for the visitors from the penalty spot 10 minutes into the second-half but Drogheda were not to be denied and move above Cork City, who play tomorrow night, at the top of the league.
Elsewhere, Derry City kept in touch with the leaders thanks to a 2-1 win at Bohemians, their first win in the capital this season, with Barry Molloy and Mark Farren getting the goals. Bohemians finished the match with 10 men after Thomas Heary was sent off for dissent.
Tonight's other match saw Sligo Rovers overcome Dublin City with a 2-0 win.
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