WATCH | Graham Burke scores stunner as Hoops defeat Derry City

Graham Burke scored a goal of the season contender as Shamrock Rovers defeated Derry City 2-0 at Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Burke produced a stunning lob from the half way line to double the Hoops' lead in the 39th minute, five minutes after teammate Rory Gaffney had given Stephen Bradley's visitors the lead in Derry.

The win lifts the reigning SSE Airtricity League Premier Division champions up to third in the table, two points behind leaders St. Patrick's Athletic and second-placed Finn Harps after four matches.

Derry, who produced a spirited performance, remain rooted to the bottom of the table having lost all four of their league games this season.

David Parkhouse came close to giving the Candystripes a 16th-minute lead, but his effort hit the post after he pounced on Rovers defender Sean Hoare's weak header back to Alan Mannus.

At the other end, Burke tested Derry goalkeeper Nathan Gartside with a side-footed effort.

Former Preston midfielder Burke was involved as the Hoops took the lead in the 34th minute, forcing Gartside into a good save from a powerful drive, allowing a well-placed Gaffney to finish the rebound.

Five minutes later, the influential Burke produced a moment of magic.

Winning a tackle in midfield, the Republic of Ireland international struck a wonderful left-footed effort over the retreating Gartside from the half way line.

https://twitter.com/SoccRepublic/status/1382055171220471808

"You would go a long way to beat that in terms of goal of the season," Bradley said afterwards.

"He's a top, top player and an Irish international for a reason. He showed real quality; his awareness was so quick to execute it."

Danny Mandroiu and Aaron Greene went close in the final quarter, with Derry unable to mount any kind of comeback against the reigning champions.