Table-toppers Shamrock Rovers defeated Galway United 3-1 at Eamonn Deacy Park thanks to first-half goals from Michael Noonan and Adam Brennan, as well as a superb second-half strike by Tunmise Sobowale.
The Hoops, who have not been defeated by the Tribesmen in a competitive encounter since 2006, were quick out of the blocks on Corribside.
With less than two minutes on the clock, John McGovern clipped a ball towards Michael Noonan on the right before he cut onto his favoured left foot and struck a superb low effort beyond Evan Watts.
The home side, who were without their usual centre-half pairing of Killian Brouder and Gianfranco Facchineri, grew into proceedings, but with clear-cut chances few and far between, a defensive mishap led to a second Rovers goal in the 26th minute.
Sobowale's cross deflected off Ed McCarthy and went through the hands of Watts before hitting the post, and it was Brennan who was on hand to tap home from close range to double the league leader's advantage.
At the other end of the pitch, last week’s two-goal hero, Aaron Bolger, headed an effort just off target, while McCarthy flashed a volley narrowly wide of the post.
At the start of the second half, after an early scare from a Matt Healy attempt, the Tribesmen grabbed a lifeline.
An inviting David Hurley corner kick landed on the head of Matty Wolfe, and the substitute made an immediate impact by finding the top of the net in the 48th minute.
The crowd were buoyant after the goal, and created further chances through a Wasiri Williams header, which was cleared off the line, while an audacious Frantz Pierrot overhead kick flew wide of the target.
John Caulfield’s side showcased their typical never-say-die attitude to try to claw their way back into the game, but it was the quality of the reigning top-flight champions which eventually prevailed in the 73rd minute.
Arsenal-bound teenager Victor Ozhianvuna, who demonstrated the talent that he possesses on the night, teed up the electric Sobowale, and he rifled a right-footed strike into the top corner to seal the deal.
With a few minutes remaining, Ed McGinty was forced into pulling off an impressive one-handed save from a deflected Lee Devitt effort; nevertheless, it was Stephen Bradley’s outfit who would control possession and maintain their lead until the final whistle to earn a valuable three points.
Galway United: Watts; Kazeem (Wolfe 46), Barratt (Devitt 79), Williams, McCormack; Bolger, Hurley (Chateau 79), McCarthy, Twardek (Pierrot 46); Keohane, Walsh (Piesold 71).
Shamrock Rovers: McGinty; Stevens, Sobowale, Cleary, Grace; Healy, Byrne (Watts 75), Brennan (Asamoah 79), Ozhianvuna (Malley 82); McGovern (Greene 75), Noonan (Burke 75).
Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan.
