Controversial Carr goal sees Rovers’ poor run continue
SHAMROCK ROVERS SLIGO ROVERS 1 0
DAN Carr’s controversial 60th minute winner was enough for Shamrock Rovers to pick up all three points against Sligo Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on Friday night.
In a dull and drab affair in Dublin 24, Carr’s goal was the only difference between the two sides, with the Sligo Rovers faithful incensed that play was allowed continue with Rhys McCabe down injured with a head injury, a move from which Shamrock Rovers then scored.
Ger Lyttle made one change to the side that suffered a 2-0 defeat against Dundalk the previous week. Seamus Sharkey dropped to the bench in place of 19-yearold Lewis Morrison who made his first start for the club.
Rovers’ record in Tallaght Stadium is certainly not one to brag about, having not won there since the last game of the season in 2013. The 1-1 draw between the two teams in South Dublin at the end of the 2017 season did assist in Rovers’ survival, though.
Both teams were slightly sloppy in possession early on, in a very open start. The Bit o’Red did enjoy a spell of good possession in the first-half. Adam Morgan capitalised on a Lee Grace mistake, with the fingertips of Kevin Horgan pushing it wide, before David Cawley’s effort from distance was deflected wide by the Hoops defence.
Ger Lyttle’s side were creating chances, but in reality Kevin Horgan was never really threatened. He just got his hand in the way of Caolan McAleer’s floated ball.
Micheál Schlingermann had relatively little to do in the early stages, but he was alert for Graham Burke’s shot from range in first-half injury time.
Lewis Morrison should have done better in the second-half when he was gifted a golden opportunity, but he failed to keep his effort on target and the chance went amiss.
Although the Hoops weren’t looking too threatening, they took the lead on the hour mark, much to the annoyance of the Sligo Rovers players and management.
Rhys McCabe went down with a facial injury in the Sligo half, and the disinterested Neil Doyle waived play on. Shamrock Rovers broke and Sean Kavanagh’s cross was prodded past Schlingermann by the lurking Carr.
Tensions rose, with manager Ger Lyttle and the fourth official Rob Rogers having to be separated.
The visitors knew they would have to throw the kitchen sink at the Dubliners if they were to get anything out of the game.
Patrick McClean headed over from a Rhys McCabe corner before the excellent Gary Boylan forced a save from Kevin Horgan. The Belmullet native floated a perfect ball over the Hoops’ defence for substitute Greg Moorhouse, but the Dubliner could only head it straight into the arms of Horgan.
Burke was desperate to double his side’s lead as the game drew to a close, but his free-kick was just over Micheál Schlingermann’s crossbar.
Again, the Bit o’Red players and management were up in arms in the 83rd minute.
David Cawley’s shot from just outside the box appeared to be blocked by the arm of Ethan Boyle, but again referee Neil Doyle was not interested. Assistant manager Kevin Deery was sent to the stands with just seconds left on the clock.
Rovers understandably felt hard done by after the game.
Up next for Rovers is a home fixture against Derry City, a game from which Ger Lyttle and his side will be desperate to get all three points.
Shamrock Rovers: Kevin Horgan; Ethan Boyle, Roberto Lopes, Lee Grace, Luke Byrne; Sean Kavanagh (Sam Bone, 81), Greg Bolger, Ronan Finn, Joel Coustrain (Brandon Miele, 70); Graham Burke; Dan Carr (Gary Shaw, 70).
Sligo Rovers: Micheál Schlingermann; Gary Boylan, Kyle Callan McFadden, Patrick McClean, Calum Waters; Caolan McAleer, David Cawley, Rhys McCabe, Ally Roy (Greg Moorhouse, 71); Lewis Morrison (Adam Wixted, 63); Adam Morgan.
Referee: Neil Doyle.