Galway United 0 Shamrock Rovers 2:THESE ARE interesting times for Shamrock Rovers, who continue to win with substance and a dash of style.

On a sodden surface at Terryland Park, the Hoops produced a reminder of their considerable prowess with an assured display that proved too much for a depleted Galway United.

Dessie Baker provided the attacking guile, netting the 18th minute opener before supplying the intricate pass for Stephen Rice's crisply taken second goal.

Galway's two significant opportunities arrived either side of Baker's strike, but the splendid Barry Murphy denied Vinny Faherty.

After the interval, Rice and the promising Eric McGill guided the Hoops to a win that offered a valuable injection of confidence prior to Friday's intriguing Dublin derby with Bohemians.

GALWAY UNITED: Rogers; Nootimer, Charles (Conneely, 25 mins), Fenn, McCulloch (Keane, 61 mins); Russell, Foley (Cunningham, 61 mins), Deegan, O'Brien; Leech, Faherty.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: B Murphy; O'Brien, Maguire, Ferguson, D O'Connor; Doyle (Martin, 70 mins), Rice, McGill, S O'Connor (Creevey, 85 mins); A Murphy (Purcell, 56 mins), Baker.

Referee: D McKeon (Dublin).