The holders built a two-goal half-time advantage at Richmond Park thanks to goals from Jonathan Afolabi and Michael Noonan.

Front-runners Shamrock Rovers scored the only goal of the game with Graham Burke striking a stunner after nine minutes.

St Patrick’s Athletic were defeated 2-0 by Dundalk - despite the loss, they remain top of the league.

Stephen Kenny's team recovered from conceding early to beat Sligo Rovers 4-1 at Richmond Park.

Teenage stars Michael Noonan and Adam Brennan provided the goals in a 2-0 win over St Pat's at Tallaght Stadium.