Longford Town 0 Shamrock Rovers 3: A David Tyrell goal just before the break set Shamrock Rovers on the way to a most convincing win over bottom-of-the-table Longford Town at Flancare Park last night and keeps Pat Scully's side in the hunt for the title.

While Rovers wasted a good chance in the seventh minute when ex-Longford striker Andy Myler shot badly wide, it was the home side who had the better of the exchanges for the remainder of the half with a couple of decent chances falling to Dave Mooney.

Mooney's first effort was deflected by Ger O'Brien into the arms of goalkeeper Stephen O'Brien, another ex-Town player, and there was a second close call for the visitors in the 16th minute when Patrick Sullivan put Mooney through but the danger was cleared. The deadlock was broken in the 42nd minute when Tyrell gave Rovers a rather undeserved lead.

Just before the break, ex-Town captain Barry Ferguson almost deflected a Dave Mooney cross into his own net but it was all Shamrock Rovers in the second half. Rovers extended their lead in the 60th minute when Ger Rowe made no mistake from close range and Myler, after squandering three clear-cut chances on the changeover, got his name on the scoresheet in the 75th minute.

LONGFORD TOWN: Kelly; Sullivan, Brennan, Prunty, Rutherford; Reilly, Doyle, Deegan, Wexler O'Riordan (68 mins); Mooney, Freeman.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: S O'Brien; G O'Brien, Ferguson, Lawrence, Clarke; Cassidy (Reynolds 77 mins), McGill, Danny O'Connor, Tyrell (David O'Connor 60 mins); Myler, Rowe (Amond 77 mins).

Referee: R Winters (Wicklow).