Graft and guile earns a reward

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division Shamrock Rovers Sligo Rovers 0 1

SLIGO Rovers are top of the pile. Romeo Parkes’ accomplished second-half goal, from playmaker Jordan Gibson’s through ball, gave Rovers a deserved 1-0 win at the home of the holders, Shamrock Rovers, on Monday night.

For this latest instalment in the Battle of the Rovers, the visitors were composed and resilient. In what was Bit O’Red’s first Premier Division win at Tallaght Stadium since October 2013 – and a result that maintained their unbeaten away record of 2021 – centre-back Garry Buckley and Greg Bolger, once of Shams, were outstanding.

Manager Liam Buckley made three changes to the team that started against Longford Town the previous Friday – midfield conductor Greg Bolger returned after his one-match ban, Romeo Parkes led the attack and Mark Byrne was given a right-wing slot. Lewis Banks kept his place and reverted to a familiar position of right-back. Against a home side who were missing several regulars due to injury, Rovers were efficient with possession and anxious to press high on Shams when Stephen Bradley’s men had the ball in their own half.

Clear-cut chances were scarce in the first-half, however. Jordan Gibson’s cross-cum-shot as well as shots from Greg Bolger, who twice had a pop at goal, and Walter Figueira was the summation of Rovers’ opportunities – and all four attempts were off target.

Shams, whose best player was Sean Gannon, forced a series of fruitless corners as Rovers goalkeeper Ed McGinty was authoritative in this half and the 45 minutes that followed.

One of these corners for the hosts was the result of John Mahon bravely getting in the way of a shot from Gannon, while a 40th minute free-kick was wasted when Graham Burke flighted the ball well over. Ten minutes after referee Neil Doyle signalled the restart, Rovers (Sligo that is) were in front.

Jordan Gibson, who was just inches wide with a fierce shot in the 48th minute, guided a lovely pass

ON TARGET: Striker Romeo Parkes netted against Shamrock Rovers on Monday.

to coincide with a smart run from Romeo Parkes – the striker applied a calm finish to put Rovers a goal up.

Shams went close to equalising after 66 minutes but Danny Mandroiu couldn’t mark his call up to the Republic of Ireland senior squad by netting – his shot was blocked by John Mahon.

Rovers kept their composure and the introduction of substitutes Johnny Kenny and Ryan De Vries allowed them to keep the pressure on Shams.

In stoppage time De Vries showed skill before firing a tempting ball into the danger area – there was no one there in red to punish Shams even more.

Best for Rovers: Garry Buckley Shamrock Rovers: Alan Mannus; Joey O’Brien (Max Murphy 8 (Dean Williams 78)), Roberto Lopes, Lee Grace; Sean Gannon, Gary O’Neill (Chris McCann 70) Danny Mandroiu, Liam Scales; Graham Burke, Rory Gaffney, Aaron Greene

Subs not used: Leon Pohls (gk), Cole Omorehiomwan, Dean McMenamy, Adam Wells, Darragh Nugent, Aidomo Emakhu Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Lewis Banks, John Mahon, Garry Buckley, Robbie McCourt; Niall Morahan, Greg Bolger; Mark Byrne (Johnny Kenny 68), Jordan Gibson, Walter Figueira; Romeo Parkes (Ryan De Vries 86)

Subs not used: Richard Brush (gk); Colm Horgan, Shane Blaney, John Russell, Regan Donelon, Cillian Heaney, Peter Maguire

Referee: Neil Doyle