Watch: Rory Gaffney nets winner as Shamrock Rovers go seven points clear at the top with win over Derry City

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Shamrock Rovers striker Rory Gaffney struck with a first-half goal to send the Hoops seven points clear at the top of the table.

In front of just under 6,000 fans at Tallaght Stadium, Stephen Bradley’s side edged past Derry City by a single goal thanks to Gaffney’s effort.

But his goal came in slightly fortuitous circumstances.

With Candystripes keeper Brian Maher unsighted, the Galway hitman saw his speculative effort on goal trickle into the net.

And that goal was enough to condemn Ruaidhri Higgins’ side to a sixth loss of the season.

Two of those have come against the Hoops – and they face a stiff test if they are to bridge the widening gap at the top.

But crucially, Rovers are now in pole position to claim a fourth league title in a row.

Shamrock Rovers: Leon Pohls; Daniel Cleary, Sean Hoare, Pico; Jack Byrne (Liam Burt 64), Neil Farrugia (Sean Gannon 45), Sean Kavanagh, Markus Poom, Richie Towell (Dylan Watts 76); Rory Gaffney (Simon Power 77), Johnny Kenny (Graham Burke 64).



Subs not used: Toms Leitis, Kieran Cruise, Darragh Nugent, Conan Noonan.

Booked: Johnny Kenny (54), Sean Gannon (68), Sean Kavanagh (78), Daniel Cleary (85).

 

Derry City: Brian Maher; Ronan Boyce, Shane McEleney, Cameron McJannet; Sadou Diallo (Cian Kavanagh 75), Ben Doherty, Cameron Dummigan (Mark Connolly 66), Adam O'Reilly; Ryan Graydon (Jordan McEneff 38), Brandon Kavanagh, Jamie McGonigle.

Subs not used: Tadhg Ryan, Ciaran Coll, Callum McCay, Tiernan McGinty.

Booked: Ryan Graydon (33), Adam O'Reilly (71), Brandon Kavanagh (90).



 

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

Attendance: 5824.

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