Bit O’Red go close against the champs

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division Sligo Rovers Shamrock Rovers 1 1

IN RECENT seasons the Clash of the Rovers has usually left the red version rueful.

Here it was the Hoops who were scrambling, with the champions grateful to leave

The Showgrounds last Saturday with a point.

Substitute Rory Gaffney netted in the 88th minute to rescue a draw for the relieved visitors. His angled drive almost didn’t go in, with John Mahon – a sterling defensive block throughout alongside an equally vigilant Garry Buckley – unfortunate that his efforts to hack the ball clear were unsuccessful.

If it felt painful that Shams levelled in such scrappy fashion, the agony was made much worse because just six minutes earlier Rovers had taken the lead.

An improved Walter Figueira sent a shot goalwards – the effort, full of intent, lacked venom but the ball somehow squirmed under Shams goalkeeper Alan Mannus, usually one of the Premier Division’s most reliable custodians.

Rovers certainly deserved to go in front, having unflinchingly gone toe to toe with their more illustrious opponents.

For the fourth game of the campaign, Rovers boss Liam Buckley only slightly tweaked the starting XI.

Walter Figueria, who was on the bench for the previous fixture (that game in Longford), was restored to the line up at the expense of David Cawley. The Ballina native was back among the substitutes, with the matchday squad also featuring a fit-again Lewis Banks. Danny Kane missed out through injury.

Shams nearly put their stamp on proceedings just two minutes in. Graham Burke belted a stinging shot on target, from wing-back Ronan Finn’s pass, and Ed McGinty was forced to parry the ball.

Luckily for Rovers, Aaron Greene, once of this parish, was unable to snaffle the rebound.

As the contest evolved, both defences were on top. The tussles were full on, although there was nothing malicious, and the goal opportunities were scarce.

Aside from a cross-cumshot from Jordan Gibson that was way too meaty, Rovers didn’t threaten until the 23rd minute. From a clever short corner routine Walter Figueira supplied a lurking Greg Bolger, whose fierce goalbound drive

DELIGHTED: Walter Figueira reacts to his goal against Shamrock Rovers.

was saved by Alan Mannus. Late in the first-half Walter Figueira let rip with an ambitious effort from distance. On the cusp of half-time Robbie McCourt whipped a free-kick just over Shams’ crossbar. Rovers did their utmost to break the deadlock in the second-half. Walter Figueira went close with a close-range effort from a Jordan Gibson cross and substitute Ryan De Vries had a shot blocked.

The inevitability of a scoreless draw began to loom heavy until Rovers got an unexpected breakthrough from an Alan Mannus lapse. Conceding a goal stirred Shams, however, and they threatened with a series of chances. Ed McGinty had to be sharp to tip over a rasping drive from Danny Mandriou, otherwise subdued, Lee Grace headed narrowly wide from a corner and Rory Gaffney, who came on for Graham Burke, tried to score with a back heel. Rovers’ backs were to the wall and, indeed, it was Jordan Gibson who smuggled the ball clear from that Gaffney opportunity. Gaffney would then have the final say to deny the hosts what would have been a third win from four outings.

Best for Rovers: Greg Bolger

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Colm Horgan, Garry Buckley, John Mahon, Robbie McCourt; Niall Morahan, Greg Bolger (c); Jordan Gibson, Romeo Parkes, Walter Figueira; Johnny Kenny (Ryan De Vries 46)

Subs not used: Richard Brush (gk), Lewis Banks, Mark Byrne, Shane Blaney, Regan Donelon, Darren Collins, David Cawley, Peter Maguire

Shamrock Rovers: Alan Mannus;

Sean Hoare, Lee Grace, Liam Scales; Ronan Finn (Sean Gannon 78), Chris McCann, Dylan Watts, Sean Kavanagh; Graham Burke (Rory Gaffney 78), Danny Mandriou; Aaron Greene

Subs not used: Leon Pohls (gk), Roberto Lopes, Gary O’Neill, Dean Williams, Darragh Nugent, Max Murphy

Referee: Derek Tomney