Rovers stretch lead at top with a late clincher
INJURY-time comebacks weren’t the sole preserve of the Etihad Stadium yesterday evening.
At Richmond Park, Shamrock Rovers fell behind, drew level, and then plundered a 92nd-minute breakaway winner through Danny Mandroiu.
The punch in the solar plexus was gutting for the Saints, especially central defender Lee Desmond, who won’t want to see the replays too often.
Solid all evening, Desmond’s sloppy touch as he tried to control a Rovers clearance on halfway allowed Mandroiu to pounce like a mongoose.
The Irish U21 international had the pace to keep the Saints defenders, including Desmond at bay and, as Vitezslav Jaros advanced, he calmly slipped the ball beyond the ‘keeper.
It was his fourth goal of the season and may turn out to be one of the most valuable as it enabled the champions to open up a five-point gap at the top of the table.
Once again, Stephen Bradley’s (right) Hoops snaffled a late goal to save themselves. It’s what top teams do, especially those who’ve not lost in 32 league games.
As for the Saints, the memory of their 96thminute leveller last Monday is just that, a memory, because this first defeat of the season will hurt.
On a welcome warm evening, Rovers had felt the hot breath on their neck of their closest pursuers. Felt it, and repelled it.
The Hoops were stunned by a Chris Forrester pearler almost before they’d got a sweat up but worked their way to equalise through Graham Burke before halftime.
They then had enough about them to repel boarders by the Camac, before Mandroiu’s moment of magic.
For all the energy and endeavour in Dublin 8, there weren’t too many penalty box thrills and spills.
The high stakes was evident by the combative edge to the challenges, which was matched by the verbal volleys between the technical areas.
After an overnight downpour, the pitch was a tad slow but the Saints started fast through Forrester.
The spade work was done by Billy King and John Mountney on the right flank where they worked an opening for Mountney to cross, low and hard.
For once, Rovers were not picking up but Forrester had much to do from 12 yards out, angling his body to execute a right-foot volley which sped beyond Alan Mannus into the bottom corner.
This should have been the cue for the Saints to kick on and have a right rattle at the champions.
Briefly, they did just that, stringing together a fine move involving Sam Bone, a Forrester backheel and an angled Ian Bermingham shot towards goal, which was blocked.
From there to the break, Rovers shaded the duel, gradually establishing the high ground in midfield through Dylan Watts, and chiseling out a few half chances.
In the 38th minute, there was a nervy moment for Jaros when he spilled a shot from Burke. The loose ball broke to Rory Gaffney, who couldn’t force the rebound beyond Jaros
From the resultant corner, the ‘keeper gathered a snap shot from Mandroiu but the respite was brief.
Watts found space in the inside right channel and passed to Burke, who cut inside and rifled a low left footer which smuggled past Jaros at his near post.
After his goal, Burke was seen engaging in banter with Brian Kerr, the former Pats and Ireland manager, who was on the Camac side of the pitch.
Soon after, Mandroiu went close with a 20-yard rasper that the ‘keeper touched over as Rovers finished the half on the front foot.
The Saints regrouped admirably, took the game to the champs, and came close to a lead goal in the 83rd minute when Mattie Smith was thwarted by the vigilant Mannus.
But just when their endeavour appeared to have secured a point, Mandroiu had the final say.
St Pat’S ath: Jaros; Mountney, Bone (Melvin-Lambert 90+2), Desmond, Bermingham (Griffin h/t); King, Lennon, Lewis (McClelleand 69 (McClellend 72)), Forrester; Coughlan, Smith. Scorer: Forrester 5.
Shamrock roverS: Mannus; O’Brien (Lopes 49), Hoare, Grace; Finn (McCann 69), O’Neill, Watts, Scales; Mandroiu, Burke (Gannon 69); Gaffney (Williams 88). Scorers: Burke 41, Mandroiu 90+2. referee: D Tomney (Dublin)