Shamrock Rovers secure three vital points against Shelbourne as ...
Shamrock Rovers 2 Shelbourne 0
Neil Farrugia of Shamrock Rovers, 23, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's second goal
Champions Shamrock Rovers moved within two points of Shelbourne after prevailing in a tense showdown with Damien Duff’s league leaders in Tallaght.
An 18th-minute goal for Jack Byrne, his first competitive Rovers strike since June 2023, set Stephen Bradley’s side on the way to victory over a Shels side decimated by injuries and suspensions.
We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity.
Neil Farrugia wrapped up the three points with five minutes remaining, capitalising on a clever backheel from sub Graham Burke to fire home and prompt wild celebrations amongst the Rovers majority of the 7,861 crowd – manager Bradley was watching from the stands as he served a touchline ban.
Despite losing nine times in an erratic season, the Hoops now have a live chance of an unprecedented fifth title on the trot.
It was a happy end to the week for Farrugia, who was dismissed in Rovers’ Europa Conference League draw with APOEL Nicosia on Thursday.
The result means Shelbourne’s miserable run of form extends to just one win in ten matches, although they still remain in control of their own destiny as victory in their final three games would give them the title.
Rovers travel to Drogheda and Dundalk before hosting Waterford in their concluding fixture, while Shels have home games with Waterford and Drogheda before the last day trip to face Derry City who will go top during the international break if they take at least four points from refixed encounters with Bohemians and Sligo Rovers.
More to follow...
Shamrock Rovers: Pohls, Hoare, Lopes, Cleary; Burns (Honohan 68), Watts (McEneff 78), O’Neill, Farrugia; Byrne (Nugent 83), Mandroiu (Burke 68); Kenny (Greene 68)
Shelbourne: Kearns, O’Sullivan, Gannon, Ledwidge, Wilson; Coote (Williams 75), Coyle, Caffrey; Martin (Ring 90), Boyd, Tulloch (Wood 62)
