Shamrock Rovers returned to the top of the table with a 2-0 win over Dundalk here at sunny Tallaght Stadium.

The home side were reduced to 10 men early in the second half but held on to take the three points thanks to Aaron Greene’s double.

The Hoops now sit one point ahead of Derry City after the Candystripes were held to a goalless draw at home against Shelbourne.

Rovers went into this game missing four players due to suspension with Richie Towel, Johnny Kenny, and Sean Hoare all receiving red cards in last week’s 1-0 defeat to Cork City, while Neil Farrugia’s yellow card accumulation meant he also sat this one out.

Dundalk started the first half off on the front foot utilizing their left-wing through Darragh Leahy and Rayhaan Tulloch, causing Rovers a few nervy moments.

The Hoops were happy to soak up that early pressure and had a couple of dangerous counter-attacks that were snuffed out by the Dundalk defence.

Former Wales U21 goalie Nathan Sheppard came rushing off his line to gather at the feet of Aaron Greene who attempted to round the keeper on the 18th minute.

A quick Rovers free kick found Jack Byrne who played a beautiful slide pass rule to Markus Poom but again Sheppard came rushing out the make another top-class save around the half-hour mark.

The home side were beginning to turn the screw and they went ahead through Greene who finished a Ronan Finn cross from close range in the 34th minute. The Tallaght native nipped in ahead of Hayden Muller in the Dundalk six-yard box to score his second league goal of the season.

After the break, a loose back pass by Pico Lopes sent Tulloch through on goal but Ronan Finn took him down in a last-ditch tackle that was deemed red card worthy by referee Paul McLoughlin in the 49th minute.

The home side stepped up the pressure despite the numerical deficiency and that intensity paid off when Rory Gaffney sent Greene through one on one with Sheppard yet again. This time Greene rounded the keeper and slotted the ball into the net in the 63rd minute.

The match then fell into a training ground affair of attack versus defence, with the 10 men of Rovers retreating deep into their own half and breaking the game down, while the Lilywhites created a couple of decent half chances.

The visitors pushed hard for a goal that would get them back into the game, but Rovers held on to seal the win, take the three points and return to the top of the table.