The march towards the title continued on Monday night as Shamrock Rovers beat Waterford 2-1 at the RSC, and while it has been a near-perfect season for the Hoops there has been one niggling factor that has yet to be rectified.
Not that it matters in the grand scheme of things, as Rovers have one hand on the title, have made it to the last four of the FAI Cup and have secured safe passage, once more, to the money-making league phase of the UEFA Conference League.
And yet, Stephen Bradley's side’s record against their fiercest of rivals, Bohemians, currently stands at, played three, lost three this season.
It all kicked off at Aviva Stadium in the season opener as Bohs, who moved their home game to Lansdowne Road, were rewarded for their initiative by starting the season with the Dublin derby bragging rights thanks to a 1-0 win.
Then in April, lightning struck twice as Rovers looked like they were cruising at 2-0 in Tallaght before the Gypsies came flying back with Rhys Brennan winning it in the last minute.
Three times, indeed, as the sides went head-to-head at Dalymount in June with Dayle Rooney and James Clarke handing the home side a 2-0 victory.
It was the last time that Rovers were beaten in the league this season, and remarkably, the only other side to get the better of them in this campaign was Sligo Rovers way back in March.
And as a result, the Hoops sit ten points clear of the pack with six games remaining and now have a chance to wrap it all up before September is out.
As luck would have it, Rovers welcome Bohs to Tallaght Stadium on Friday night for the fourth and final showdown, and while victory does not assure the Hoops the title, it would put them mathematically clear of the Dalymount side, who will only have four games remaining.
The league title would be confirmed, however, should Drogheda United beat Derry City at Sullivan and Lambe Park, also on Friday night.
And Rovers manager Bradley admitted that he is looking to prevent Bohemians from completing the clean sweep on Friday night.
"Dublin derbies are tough games, we know that," said Bradley, speaking to RTÉ Sport following Monday’s win in Waterford. "They're good games, competitive.
"Bohs have beaten us three times this year, which is unusual for us, but it's happened. We'll be looking to try and put that right on Friday."
The Hoops had to work hard for the victory in Waterford on Monday night and survive a late onslaught, which saw the home side pull one back in the 90th minute, and Bradley emphasised his side’s work ethic, which has been one of the major factors of this successful squad, approaching a fifth title in six seasons.
"When you've been successful and you want to be champions, you have to come to places like this and win games," said Bradley.
"However that is, you've got to be ready for that. I thought the players did that really well. They played well at times, and at times they had to fight and dig in, and they did that really well.
"The work rate is a given with these players. That's a non-negotiable for us, and they always bring that, to be fair to them. They're a brilliant group.
"When you come to these places, you have to bring that, and they brought that tonight, and then the quality shines through.
"You know they (Waterford) are going to fight. They did that, and they got their reward in the 90th minute, and they gave it everything. But again, I thought our players showed experience and know-how, and seen the game out."
Bradley was asked about the importance of midfielder Matt Healy, who has been one of the main driving forces as Rovers look set to reclaim their title, having signed for the Dublin club this season.
And the manager had high praise for the former Cork City man, while adding that there was more to come from the ever-improving Healy.
"I'm on record for quite some time saying, for me, he's one of the best in the country this year," said Bradley.
"There's three players that have been the standouts, and he's one of them. He's getting better and better. He's still a young player, considering that role he plays for such a big team.
"He's come in, and he's taken us to another level. I still think there's more in him, physically and mentally. I think he can score more goals, like he showed tonight.
"I believe he can get 10 goals from there. His all-round game is improving each week, and he's becoming a real leader for us, which is so nice to see in someone so young."
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