Shaw strike keeps Rovers on course
LESS than 72 hours after crashing out of Europe, Shamrock Rovers took a significant step towards a return to the Europa League next season with a first league win over Dundalk at Oriel Park in six years.
Gary Shaw’s early strike ensured the Hoops won away to the Lilywhites for the first time since September 3, 2011 and afterwards manager Stephen Bradley declared it as a huge step towards cementing third place.
‘I thought the lads were excellent. Considering we only got back late on Friday, to perform like that against a top side in that heat was different class,’ said Bradley.
‘Third has been our aim all season. We lost too much ground in the first series of matches to push Dundalk for second but I always felt that Dundalk and Cork were that bit too far ahead.
‘We still have a lot to play for though and we showed today we’re ready to compete with the top teams.
‘It’s a big win and keeps us top of that mini-league behind the top two and hopefully now we can go on and cement third place.’
Rovers got off to a dream start when Shaw fired them in front after just five minutes. The former Longford Town striker showed great footwork to spin away from Brian Gartland, following Ryan Connolly’s pass, before steering a shot past Gary Rogers into the left corner of the net.
The visitors had goalkeeper Tomer Chencinski to thank for keeping them on level terms moments before that, however, when he saved from Dylan Connolly in the opening minute.
Dundalk, who also went out of Europe when they lost to Rosenborg 24 hours before Rovers’ defeat to Mladá Boleslav, twice went close to an equaliser before the break with efforts from Michael Duffy and David McMillan.
It was mainly the visitors who threatened in the second half with Rogers having to keep out a Dave McAllister header.
Dundalk’s first shot of the half didn’t arrive until the 66th minute when a short free-kick routine ended with Duffy firing an effort wide. Their second came in the first minute of stoppage time when substitute Thomas Stewart controlled a cross on his chest but couldn’t keep his effort down as Rovers held out for victory. DUNDALK: Rogers; Hoare, Gartland, Barrett, Massey; Connolly (Mountney 75), O’Donnell, Benson, Duffy (Kilduff 77); McGrath (Stewart 60); McMillan. SHAMROCK ROVERS: Chencinski; Madden, Webster, Lopes, Byrne; Clarke (Bone 86), Connolly, McAllister, Miele; Burke (Boyd 89); Shaw (O’Connor 94). Scorer: Shaw 5. Referee: R Rogers (Dublin).