ATHLONE TOWN's relegation problems deepened yesterday following a rather jaded performance at the RDS.

David Dowlings one man siege of the Rovers goal in the latter stages almost gave Town a precious point, but there was no doubting Rovers supremacy as they continued their impressive run under player manager Alan O'Neill.

Karl Gannon opened the scoring on 25 minutes when he popped up at the near post to beat Shane Curran after a Derek Tracey cross.

Rovers continued to press after the break, but were nearly caught napping when Dowling forced a point blank save from O'Neill with five minutes remaining. From the resultant corner, Dowling, with the goal at his mercy, crashed his header against the upright.

Rovers secured the points when Francis unselfishly squared the ball to Gannon who fired into an empty net for his second of the game.

Athlone pulled a goal back in the dying seconds, substitute Aidan Carberry getting the vital touch. With three games left, time seems to be running out for them.