Dundalk have got the edge over Shamrock Rovers after the first-leg of their Setanta Sports Cup semi-final.

Two penalties from Richie Towell helped Dundalk a 2 - 1 win over the Hoops in tonight's first-leg of their semi-final clash at the Tallaght Stadium.

Towell's first-half brace, both of which came about after fouls on midfielder John Mountney, handed the Lilywhites a deserved lead after the Hoops appeared to pay the price for making sweeping changes to their starting side.

But Rovers striker Eamon Zayed grabbed a late consolation goal for his side ahead of the return leg at Oriel Park when he got a vital touch on the ball after a driving solo run from Gary McCabe.