Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley isn't looking too far ahead as his side close in on a first league title in nine years. 

The Hoops dismantled Waterford FC in Tallaght last night, with six different names getting on the scoresheet in a 6-1 win. 

The result pushes Bradley's team eight points clear of city rivals Bohemians with just six matches remaining in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. 

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On Sunday, they head to Oriel Park for a meeting with reigning champions Dundalk, whose hopes of a sixth title in seven years are now effectively over. 

While it remains a daunting place to travel and get a result, Bradley is adopting a bullish posture.

"We go there to win the game, like we do every week. We'll have a gameplan to go and win the game," the Shamrock Rovers boss told RTÉ Sport. 

"It's about just keeping putting points on the board and that'll be our aim on Sunday again. 

"Tonight had the potential to be a banana skin after the big hype game against Milan, but I thought the players were first class in their attitude, their application and their play was really good. 

The ball nestles in the net as Lee Grace headed Shamrock Rovers' third goal before half-time

"We created so many chances and we were playing with real tempo. The two goals right before half-time really settled it, they killed the game for us."

Waterford boss Fran Rockett, who took over once John Sheridan headed back to England, admitted he was "deflated" by the result was keen to stress that European qualification is still a possibility. 

"It was a learning experience for us. A lot of these lads are only with us post-lockdown. You're playing against a team of that quality, they're on the crest of a wave. 

"It's hard, I'm deflated and everyone is deflated but we've a chance to bounce back on Saturday. Shamrock Rovers aren't going to dictate where we finish in the league. While we're disappointed, it was a free hit and it's time to kick on this Saturday. 

"After this performance, people will probably laugh at you and say third place is unrealistic. But I firmly believe with the form we have, and the other teams we've played so far that we've a great chance of third. That's what we're focused on, hunting down what's ahead of us."