Shamrock Rovers came from two goals down to fashion a dramatic victory at the Showgrounds on Saturday night.

Three players were sent off in the second half - Sligo's Jim Sheridan (for a second bookable offence) and Sean Flannery and Marc Kenny of Shamrock Rovers after a flare-up. Sligo manager Tommy Cassidy was also ordered from the dugout.

It all started so well for Sligo as Padraig Moran put them in front with a clinically-taken goal after five minutes. Moran struck again on 35 minutes, but three minutes later Jason Colwell pulled one back.

Graham Lawlor made it 2-2 with the powerful header in the 50th minute, but 10-man Sligo edged back in front when Moran completed his hat-trick in the 61st minute. Shamrock Rovers quickly levelled through Richie Purdy.

The Dubliners took complete control with late goals from Shane Robinson in the 79th minute and Sean Francis in the 82nd.

SLIGO ROVERS: Broujos, Davey, Lynch, Rossiter, Sheridan, Charles, Birks, Shannon, Flannery, O'Grady, Moran.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: O'Dowd, Brazil, Dunne, Purdy, Palmer, Colwell, Robinson, Francis Lawlor, Kenny, Byrne. Sub: Crowley for Brazil (74 mins).

Referee: T Tully (Cork).