THIS RACE IS NEARLY ROVER

Premier Division title looks destined for Tallaght again

- BY MARK McCADDEN

A FIFTH Premier Division title in six seasons seems inevitable now.

Shamrock Rovers are now nine points clear at the top, with a game in hand and could even have the title in the bag by the time they return to Europa Conference League action at the start of October.

Wins in their next three league games, the third against closest challengers Bohemians, could be enough depending on how third-placed Derry City do in that time.

Despite Drogheda giving them a late scare at Tallaght Stadium last night, everything seems to be coming up rosy for Rovers right now.

This one had banana skin written all over it. Three days after the massive high of their European success over Portuguese side Santa Clara, the potential for a hangover was real.

The atmosphere - with just 3,216 fans in attendance - more than 5,000 fewer than last Thursday - was another factor working against the Hoops.