Stephen Kenny’s Pat’s have blown the League of Ireland title race wide open

Shamrock Rovers are suddenly under serious pressure at the top

Rovers arrived at Richmond Park with a 10-point advantage at the top only five weeks ago. 

They now lead by just three points after Stephen Kenny's side produced a convincing 2-0 victory, setting up a tense finish to the season.

The champions were behind almost immediately. St Patrick's created the opening goal after just four minutes, with 17-year-old Ryan Sheridan involved in the build-up on his first full league start. 

His exchange with Jamie Lennon opened up space for a cross, which eventually reached Jay McClelland at the far post. The Pat's player met it on the volley and watched his effort bounce in off the underside of the bar.

St Patrick’s could have made the scoreline even worse

Rovers were given another setback before the interval. On 33 minutes, Zach Elbouzedi delivered into the box and Aidan Keena turned sharply onto the ball before finding the net beyond Ed McGinty.

From there, Pat's concentrated on protecting their advantage and their defensive record did the rest. 

Rovers were unable to find a breakthrough, with Joseph Anang making a crucial save before half-time to keep out a flick from Roberto Lopes.

The hosts could even have put the result beyond doubt earlier. McGinty was forced into another good stop when Sheridan found himself with a chance to add a third.

St Patrick’s could move top with a win on Monday

The defeat is another setback for Rovers following the end of their European campaign against KuPS. 

They have also had a miserable recent record against St Patrick's, losing to them in the FAI Cup last month after suffering three league defeats to the champions earlier in the season.

And they are no longer the only team chasing the leaders. Bohemians are also just three points behind after completing a remarkable comeback against Galway United, recovering from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Eamonn Deacy Park.

St Patrick's now have a chance to move to the summit themselves. 

A victory away to Dundalk at Oriel Park on Monday would put Kenny's side top on goal difference, although Rovers still have a game in hand.