Watch: Dylan Watts scores his first Shamrock Rovers goal as the Hoops move within a point of third

Dylan Watts scored his first goal for the club as Shamrock Rovers finally broke down a stubborn Sligo Rovers side to take all three points at Tallaght Stadium.

The Hoops kicked on after the break following an even first half in which Rovers dominated the ball but created little of note.

The best chance of the first period fell to the visitors after just 16 minutes as David Cawley rapped the crossbar.

16: Off the bar!@sligorovers inches away from taking the lead in Tallaght.

Live now on eir sport 2! #LOI#SHAvSLIpic.twitter.com/ju2qEIKPSv

— eir Sport (@eirSport) July 27, 2018

Watts himself forced a fine fingertip save from Mitchell Beeney just past the half hour but the away comfortably held out as the sides went into the break scoreless.

The former Bohemians midfielder poked home midway through the second half after Ronan Finn's cross wasn't fully cleared and Dan Carr swung at fresh air before teeing up the midfielder.

And it was Watts' shot that led to the clincher five minutes from time as another long-range strike was too hot for Beeney to handle and the striker stroked home his second in two games.