Donelon goal rescues a valuable point for Rovers
A stunning Regan Donelon free-kick saw Sligo Rovers leave Tallaght Stadium with what could prove to be a vital point as they continue their fight for survival with just two games remaining.
Gary Shaw gave the Hoops the lead in the first-half, before Donelon’s perfectly placed free-kick earned the Bit O’Red a huge point, enough to see them stay above the relegation zone with Galway United also drawing on the night.
Rovers came into this game on the back of a 1-0 victory over Bohemians, but were still sitting a mere point above the danger zone, with Galway occupying 10th spot.
Ger Lyttle opted to go with the same starting 11 that defeated Keith Long’s side, with Jamie McDonagh returning from international duty and Gary Boylan back from injury.
The Bit O’Red had the first real chance of the game when Vinny Faherty nodded wide from a Regan Donelon cross.
The Dubliners undoubtedly had the best of the chances, and top scorer Shaw should have given his side the lead on 16 minutes. The former Longford man connected well with a Simon Madden cross, but his header smacked the crossbar, before Dave McAllister’s shot from distance skimmed the crossbar.
Ger Lyttle’s charges were under pressure and again should have gone ahead when Shaw took a touch to beat Kyle Callan McFadden, but he completely skied his effort. Brandon Miele,who earlier in the day riled a few Rovers fans with his pre-match comments, was next to try his luck, his effort just hitting the side-netting, though.
And just after the half hour mark, the Hoops had their lead. Brandon Miele burst down the left flank, and with Rovers’ right side struggling at times on the night, he found Shaw who neatly finished past Shaun Patton to take a well deserved lead.
Stephen Bradley’s men could have, and should have, doubled their lead before half-time when Miele’s corner was met by the head of McAllister, but again he could only hit the crossbar - relief for the Bit O’Red.
A tactical change at half-time saw Ger Lyttle bring on Greg Moorhouse in place of youngster Jack Keaney. And with his first touch of the game, the Dubliner could have levelled the scoring. Running on to a long ball, he was through on goal with just Kevin Horgan to beat, but he sent his effort well wide of the mark. The Connacht side were fighting for their lives and the lively substitute Jamie McDonagh earned a free-kick when he was upended by Trevor Clarke on the edge of the area. With 13 minutes left on the clock, Donelon set his curling free-kick past Horgan - the least that the Bit O’Red deserved.
Faherty later forced a good save from Horgan to deny a late winner, before Moorhouse saw his late effort smack the crossbar.
With just two games left to play, Sligo Rovers sit one point above the danger zone. Shamrock Rovers confirmed a Europa League qualification spot as Bray Wanderers were defeated.
The Bit O’Red play their final home game of the season on Saturday evening, when they host Derry City at 7.45. The club is asking for all fans to come out and support them in what is a huge game. Kyle Callan-McFadden is due to miss the game through suspension.
Shamrock Rovers: Kevin Horgan, Simon Madden, Lee Grace, Roberto Lopes, Trevor Clarke (Luke Byrne, 87), Dave McAllister, Ronan Finn, Cameron King (James Doona, 75), Aaron Bolger, Brandon Miele, Gary Shaw.
Subs: Tomer Chencinski, Dean Carpenter, Ryan Connolly, Michael O’Connor, Sean Boyd.
Sligo Rovers: Shaun Patton, Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, Kyle Callan McFadden, Seamus Sharkey, Regan Donelon, John Russell (Jamie McDonagh, 66), Craig Roddan, Jack Keaney (Greg Moorhouse, 46), Rhys McCabe, Daniel Kearns (Benny Igiehon, 74), Vinny Faherty.
Subs: Ed McGinty, Raffaele Cretaro, Gary Boylan, John Mahon.
Referee: Jim McKell