Patterson added a sublime fourth goal on 67 minutes.

Champions Shamrock Rovers were given a scare when Monaghan United took the lead through Willo McDonagh after just three minutes at Tallaght Stadium. But Stephen Kenny’s men recovered to win 3-1.

Killian Brennan levelled for the Hoops on 56 minutes before Billy Dennehy scored a terrific goal to put them in front six minutes later.

Monaghan lost defender Darragh Reynor to a second yellow card minutes later before Aaron Greene put some gloss on Rovers’ win with a third goal in stoppage time.

Drogheda United staged the comeback of the night as they came from 2-0 down to beat Cork City 3-2 before nearly 4,000 at Turner’s Cross.

Goals from winger Daryl Horgan, on 13 minutes and striker Vinny Sullivan, just past the half hour, appeared to have Tommy Dunne’s Rebels in command.

But Drogheda stormed into the game with Tiarnan Mulvenna getting a goal back on 40 minutes.

Peter Hynes then levelled from the penalty spot eight minutes into the second half.

It got worse for Cork minutes later when midfielder Shane Duggan was sent off for appearing to raise his hand to Brian Gannon.

Drogheda then won it courtesy of a 73rd minute own goal when defender Gavin Kavanagh headed a Philip Hand corner into his own net.

Goals from Paddy Kavanagh and Philly Hughes gave Shelbourne a 2-0 win over Bohemians in the Dublin derby at Dalymount Park.

Winger Kavanagh pounced on a mistake by Bohs' defender Evan McMillan to race through and put Shels ahead on 20 minutes.

Kavanagh was involved for the second goal on 70 minutes when keeper Craig Sexton could only parry his shot and Hughes fired home the rebound.

St. Patrick’s Athletic made it two wins from two with a 2-0 victory at Dundalk.

Stephen O’Flynn finished off a cross from strike partner Dean Kelly for the lead goal on nine minutes.

John Russell added the second St. Pat’s goal on 53 minutes, shooting past Peter Cherrie having run through onto ex-Dundalk midfielder Greg Bolger’s pass.