Shamrock Rovers have thrashed Derry City 4-1 at the Tallaght Stadium as they stepped up their pursuit of Dundalk at the top of the Airtricity League Premier Division.

The result leaves them just four points of the Louth side.

Mikey Drennan's 10th goal of the season gave Rovers the perfect start before Derry's Ryan McBride was shown a straight red card after just 13 minutes.

Further goals from Gary McCabe, Kieran 'Marty' Waters and Brandon Miele during the second half sealed a comfortable win for Rovers ahead of a dramatic finish, which saw Drennan also shown a red card before substitute Ryan Curran grabbed a late consolation for the Candystripes.