Shamrock Rovers 2 Drogheda United 0:GOALS FROM Thomas Stewart and Gary Twigg gave Shamrock Rovers the win they needed to go back top in pursuit of their first title in 16 years and simultaneously condemn Drogheda United to the First Division at Tallaght Stadium last night.

Early news that Galway had taken the lead against Bohemians might have buoyed the spirits of the home support and their team’s early efforts were committed and full of purpose, but lacking the fluidity to breakdown a well-organised Drogheda defence.

As the half progressed Rovers’ intent began to forge some half -chances, notably from the efforts of Stewart on the left and the surging pace of Billy Dennehy on the right.

Dessie Baker headed inches wide at the back post from a Dennehy cross in the 37th minute before Dennehy flashed a low shot across goal having been set up by Baker just before the break.

Rovers started the second half at a much higher tempo and within six minutes they were ahead.

Drogheda cleared a Rovers free-kick but Danny Murphy’s hooked cross found Craig Sives charging in on the right of the Drogheda box and his angled header was finished by Stewart heading home from close range.

Just after the hour mark continuous Rovers pressure brought a deserved second. Chris Turner played a perfect diagonal ball into the feet of Twigg who took a touch, turned inside a defender, and cracked a low shot between Robert Duggan and his near post.

Twigg had a second disallowed six minutes later for offside, while Drogheda were reduced to nine men by the end as Corie Treacy and Ryan Brennan were sent off.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: A Mannus; S Rice, C Sives, A Price, D Murphy; T Stewart, S Bradley (E Stephens, 37 mins), C Turner (R Bayly, 80 mins), B Dennehy; D Baker (N Fenn, 70 mins), G Twigg.

DROGHEDA UNITED: R Duggan; Y Haro, J Harris (C Sinnott, 67 mins), A McNally, C Treacy; D Meenan, P Crowley (R Brennan, 82 mins), M Daly, P McMahon, B McGill (D McNamara, 72 mins); J Flood.

Referee: D Hanney