Shamrock Rovers weather early Bohemians storm to claim derby spoils

Shamrock Rovers weathered an early storm from leaders Bohemians to claim the Dublin derby spoils at a packed Dalymount Park and pick up their second win of the SSE Airtricity League season.

Just like buses, the reigning champions had waited for until the seventh matchday to earn a three-point haul with victory at ten-man Dundalk last week and seven days on, it was a second triumph of the campaign as goals in each half from Neil Farrugia and Rory Gaffney saw Stephen Bradley's side win 2-0 and move up to fifth in the Premier Division table.

Bohemians have the consolation of remaining top of the pile thanks to Derry City's defeat but Declan Devine's side will rue the missed opportunity of stretching that lead at the top after a spirited start to the occasion.

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Bohs made a fast start in front of the 4,290 attendance, snapping into challenges early on before Dylan Connolly let fly with a tester from distance inside the opening minute which Alan Mannus got down to, warming his hands with a comfortable stop.

And the home side thought they had opened the scoring in the third minute when they made a foray down the right flank. Connolly showed presence of mind to pull the ball back invitingly for the in-form Ali Coote who was striding towards the box. It looked a certain goal but the ball skimming wide of the post and the groans of the home fans confirmed otherwise.

Graham Burke then had sighter from range at the other end but the Rovers midfielder's effort was just over James Talbot’s crossbar.

Playing with a confidence of a side that started the fixture top of the table and 10 points clear of their visitors, Bohs continued to make all the early running and just after Jonathan Afolabi had a half-chance with a