There was never any likelihood of a cup upset at Morton Stadium yesterday as Shamrock Rovers strolled to a facile victory over Leinster Senior League side, Dublin Bus.

Despite the absence through injury of several regulars, including Tony Cousins, Jason Colwell, Marc Kenny and Derek Treacy, Rovers had far too much guile for the outclassed visitors.

The game was as good as over after half an hour as Rovers's incessant pressure yielded a two-goal lead.

The home side broke the deadlock after 21 minutes, Sean Francis's flick setting up Tony Grant who advanced to calmly score from 10 yards.

Ten minutes later Rovers struck again through impressive midfielder Shane Robinson, who drilled home a rebound after Grant's initial effort was blocked by former St Francis defender, Greg Coleman.

Dublin Bus had one clear-cut opportunity to get back into contention after 58 minutes. Striker Kevin Smith jnr rounded home goalkeeper Robbie Horgan on the edge of the area but the striker's goalbound effort was cleared to safety by the vigilant Garret Cronin.

The one-way traffic resumed in a tame second half and Rovers extended their lead after 67 minutes through Terry Palmer, who flicked home a close-range header from Billy Woods's in-swinging free-kick. Shamrock Rovers: Horgan, Smith, Cronin, Palmer, Woods (Dunne 79 mins), Vaudequin (Stewart 90 mins), Robinson, Kavanagh, Byrne, Francis, Grant.

Dublin Bus: Matthews, Coleman, Campbell, Price, Wilson, Ledwitch, Mulreaney, Ken Smith (McCann 72 mins), Gill (Devlin 46 mins), Kevin Smith jnr, Fitzpatrick (O'Brien 67 mins).

Referee: A Kelly (Cork).