Longford Town 0-3 Shamrock Rovers

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.

This excellent result keeps Pat Scully’s side in the hunt for the Premier Division league title.

Rovers set the early pace and wasted a good chance in the 7th minute when ex-Longford striker Andy Myler shot badly wide.

But it was the home side who had the better of the exchanges for the remainder of the first half, with a couple of decent chances falling to Dave Mooney.

Mooney’s first effort was deflected by Rovers defender Ger O’Brien safely into the arms of keeper 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.

However, the deadlock was eventually broken in the 42nd minute and it was David Tyrell who gave Shamrock Rovers a rather undeserved lead when he finish a right wing cross from David McGill past the stranded Longford keeper Shay Kelly.

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 as Longford Town never recovered from the killer blow of going behind so late in the first half.

Rovers extended their advantage in the 60th minute when Ger Rowe made no mistake with only the opposing keeper to beat from close range and Andy Myler, after squandering three clear-cut chances on the changeover, eventually got his name on the scoresheet when shooting to the corner of the net in the 75th minute.

Longford Town:  Kelly; Sullivan, Brennan, Prunty, Rutherford; Reilly, Doyle, Deegan, Wexler; Mooney, Freeman.
Sub:- O’Riordan for Wexler (68 mins).

Shamrock Rovers: S O’Brien; G O’Brien, Ferguson, Lawrence, Clarke; Cassidy, McGill, Danny O’Connor, Tyrell; Myler, Rowe.
Subs:- Davie O’Connor for Tyrell (60 mins); Amond for Rowe (77 mins); Reynolds for Cassidy (77 mins).

Referee: R Winters (Wicklow).