Shamrock Rovers edge St Patrick's Athletic in derby thriller to retain top spot

Experience trumped youthful exuberance in a drama one could not take an eye off in Tallaght, Shamrock Rovers maintaining their lead at the top of the table – just.

Luck was on the Saints' side when they went ahead through Mark Doyle on 28 minutes but they had been excellent in a first half they ruined by the concession of a needless goal at its conclusion, Lee Grace heading home.

Richie Towell had the champions back in front on 68 minutes but a blunder from goalkeeper Leon Pohls allowed substitute Ben McCormack to steal in with six minutes to go and equalise – seemingly earning the away side a point.

Yet Rovers were somehow ahead again on 88 minutes, Towell scoring from the spot after Tom Grivosti had bundled down Johnny Kenny in a breathless conclusion to a cracking game.

It was more about drama than quality, perhaps, but epitomised why 6,212 fans paid in on a Monday night, and both sides can take plenty from this game going forward, including interim Saints manager Jon Daly.

Saints welcomed back veteran striker and former Hoop Eoin Doyle from suspension. Mason Melia, who became the club's youngest-ever player on Friday night when appearing in the win over Drogheda, was absent due to his involvement with the Ireland under-17s, who are about to begin their European Championship campaign.

The Tallaght crowd included FAI CEO Jonathan Hill, who will be keenly interested in how the Irish get on in Hungary, most of them playing in the League of Ireland.

Pat's did, however, name two of the country's brightest prospects – Adam Murphy and Sam Curtis – in their starting 11; both would have nights that advertised their talents and lack of experience.

The champions played a far more experienced starting side, with five players in their 30s