Shamrock Rovers see off stubborn UCD to get back to winning ways

Shamrock Rovers extended their lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity League table to five points with a hard fought 1-0 win against a battling Students side who might have nicked something late on.

In a game that should have been more comfortable, Hoops fans won't mind when they look at the league standings, despite their side missing a handul of chances on the evening.

With the in-form Candystripes breathing down their neck, Stephen Badley's charges knew the margin for error was slim at best, and with the gap just two points following their forgetful 0-0 draw away at Shelbourne, the pressure was on the Champions to get a result.

Prior to their somewhat shock FAI Cup Quarter final defeat at Treaty United, the Students produced one of their best results of the season defeating high flying Dundalk to move themselves off the foot of the table.

Their energetic, high-pressing game had the look of a side who had 10 days to prepare but the failure to retain possession in attacking areas meant they were powerless to stop the waves of Rovers attacks.

Jack Byrne and Graham Burke went close early on before Neil Farrugia opened the scoring after just 13 minutes. Front man Rory Gaffney burst down the left and into the area, before playing an inviting outside of the boot into the danger area, where up popped wing back Farrugia who bundled home.

Not content with the one, Rovers continued to press and almost doubled their lead through a thunderous Burke strike from the left-hand side, having linked up sharply with strike partner Gaffney.

Scorer almost turned provider as Farrugia cut inside from the right wing before slipping in Gaffney, but the striker opted to smash the ball straight at the brave Healy with the goal at his mercy.

Having failed