Teenager fires Rovers on

THIS win, secured with two goals in each half, moves them five points clear of second-placed Derry and seven ahead of their likeliest title challengers, St Pat's.

- BY GARRY DOYLE

The Saints sinned here, giving too much time and space to Rovers' chief playmakers, Graham Burke and Jack Byrne, wrapping up the first Rovers goal as a present, doing precious little to keep out the second.

Other things went against them, too, a penalty appeal turned down just before half-time with the score 2-0, a goal disallowed when there was just one between the sides.

That aside, they'll know they were victims of their own downfall, the tone set in the opening minute when Sean Hoare attempted a crazy throw-in right across his own goal, which was intercepted by Burke, whose half-volley was brilliantly saved by Anang.

This pair would reunite again on 20 minutes, Anang with an easier save this time, Burke failing to profit from Danny Grant's superb through pass.

But shortly afterwards the St Pat's keeper then had one of those moments he'll never forget, and not for the right reasons, as he falsely believed he'd reach Burke's through ball ahead of the young Rovers forward, Michael Noonan.

He didn't. Instead Noonan collected the ball in a wide area, retained his composure, and then calmly stroked a shot into the empty net while Anang scrambled backwards.