Shamrock Rovers 3 Bohemians 0:Shamrock Rovers put their European exit behind them at Tallaght Stadium today as they joined St Patrick's Athletic at the top of the Airtricity League Premier Division with a comprehensive victory over their old rivals.
Goals from Dan Murray, Gary Twigg and substitute Billy Dennehy sealed the points, with the only low point coming when Pat Flynn was shown a straight red card for kicking Gareth McGlynn on the ground.
Rovers manager Michael O’Neill may have been worried about his side after they went out of the Europa League after a 1-0 loss to Juventus in Modena on Thursday night.
It was the home side, though, that sprang from the blocks and with Twigg running the line superbly they caused huge problems for Bohemians early on.
Stephen Bradley hit the crossbar with a free-kick early on before they took the lead on 24 minutes when Tommy Stewart’s cross was fires home by Murray.
Bohemians got into the game just before the break with a Paddy Madden going close after a mazy run through the Rovers defence.
Rovers almost doubled their advantage after a terrible mix-up between Mark Rossiter and goalkeeper Barry Murphy let Stewart in.
Pat Fenlon’s side may have sniffed a chance to get back into the game after Murray’s sending off just before the hour.
Twigg had other ideas and Derby County manager Nigel Clough, watching from the stands, must have been impressed by the Scottish player’s skill has he turned Ken Oman inside out before firing past Murphy.
Bohemians didn’t let their heads drop, trying to make the most of their one-man advantage, with Fenlon bringing on Jason Byrne, Ruadhri Higgins and Raffaele Cretaro on in a bid to nick one back.
It was to be Rovers sub Denehy who was to make the most telling contribution, when he scored with four minutes remaining to send the home support into raptures as they wrapped up their biggest win over Bohemians since 1998.