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Sligo Rovers moved three points clear of Derry City at the top of the Premier Division table thanks to a comfortable win at the Showgrounds on Monday.

Lee Lynch fired in the opener from an Alan Keane cross in the 38th minute.

David Cawley converted Pascal Millien's cross from the right on 53 minutes and Ross Gaynor scored from the penalty spot after 68 to ensure the victory.

Shane McEleney was sent-off for conceding the penalty by denying Cawley a goalscoring opportunity.

The Candystripes were looking to avenge their 1-0 defeat by Sligo at the Brandywell in the opening game of the season, but it was the home side who stamped their authority on the match from the start.

Ger Doherty saved from a Lynch cross which Cawley tried to poke in.

At the other end, Mark Griffin fired a tame effort to the left of Gary Rogers's goal.

Sligo were well on top and Lynch's effort was superbly punched away for a corner by Doherty, while Cawley shot just over the bar.

Rory Patterson struck a first-time shot wide of the target, before Lynch ended an entertaining first half by giving Sligo the lead.

The league champions continued to exert pressure and an Aaron Greene effort was pushed onto the post by Doherty.

Cawley found the net and then won the penalty when he was brought down by McEleney inside the area.

Sligo could have extended their advantage but substitute Liam Martin hit the woodwork and Joseph Ndo saw his chip go just wide.

Derry and St Patrick's Athletic are level on points in second place, but Declan Devine's side has the better goal difference.