Shamrock Rovers took a massive step toward the Setanta Cup final with a deserved semi-final first leg victory against Sligo Rovers in The Showgrounds.
Goals from Ronan Finn on 27 minutes and Karl Sheppard on 59 gave Michael O'Neill's side the win.
John Russell was controversially sent-off for the Bit o' Red with 16 minutes remaining.
Finn's strike from 25 yards lit up a poor first half, with the midfielder's long-range effort giving Sligo goalkeeper Brendan Clarke little chance.
Shamrock Rovers dominated the second period and Sheppard's header from a Pat Sullivan cross doubled the advantage.
The second leg takes place next Tuesday in Tallaght Stadium, with the Premier Division champions strong favourites to advance.
