Rovers record big win over Hoops

Sligo Rovers recorded a vital 3 points tonight as they beat Shamrock Rovers 2-0.

Doyle does it again

Photo courtesy of Shane Murray

Both teams started brightly, with some impressive football and passing. The first chance of note came early when Joey Ndo whipped in a great free kick which only just evaded but Gavin Peers and Jason McGuinness.

Billy Dennehy then had Shams first chance of the game, as he went past Peers, but dragged his shot well wide in the end. The following minutes so some great football, but no chances of note, we did however see teo bookings for Shamrock Rovers and Chris Turner go off for Ronan Finn.

Set pieces were proving to be where we were most dangerous from as Aaron Greene sent a corner in, but only just missed Peers as it was collected by Alan Mannus, the centre-back was very lively in the box tonight and was meeting nearly every corner throughout!

It was one of those nights where the real chances weren't really coming from either side for a good portion of the first, but the football in midfield was keeping everyone entertained before Alan Keane eventually had the next chance but his effort wasn't enough to beat Mannus.

Rovers won another corner, and this time Ndo stepped up to take it. He sent a marvellous ball into the box that was met by, who else, but Gavin Peers as he rose highest to powerfully head past Mannus and Gary McCabe on the far post.

The Final chance of the half came in the form of a free-kick as Richie Ryan hit it, but put too much power into it as it curled well wide.

The first chance of the second half came to Ken Oman as he got his head onto a corner, but he put it well over. It wasn't a dirty game by any means, but for the next few minutes we seen a number of players go to the ground, but only one yellow card issued, to winger Rafael Cretaro.

Aaron Greene almost scored a goal directly from a cross, but Mannus was relieved to see it hit off the top of the crossbar, but the danger wasn't clear as the ball fell to Cretaro, but nothing really came of it in the end.

Ken Oman got on the end of another corner, but he still failed to trouble Brendan Clarke, who was having enjoying a relatively quiet game.

Matthew Blinkhorn, who was enjoying what was easily his best performance of the season was next up to try his luck as he saw his effort deflected wide.

Ndo sent in a corner which was once again met by the head of Peers, but it went straight into the hands of Alan Mannus. Peers could've had 3 or 4 at this stage.

Peers, a big threat on the night

Photo courtesy of Kevin Finn.

Rovers could and should've had their second as Alan Keane made a surging run down the wing and sent a ball intended for Alan Kirby, but a lack of communication between Mannus and Sives saw the keeper spill the ball but was extremely lucky to see Kirby completely miss the ball before laying it off to John Dillon who saw his shot deflected over.

Brendan Clarke was finally made work when Gary McCabe lined up a free kick 20-25 yards from goal. He struck it brilliantly, but Clarke met the ball with an equally brilliant in save to keep his goal in tact.

Eoin Doyle then went on a run down the wing and cut inside, but rather than pass it to John Dillon who was in space in the box decided to have a go himself but blasted his shot over. Doyle then chested down a ball aimed at him, but hit the ball over the bar from close range after slipping while taking his shot.

Kilduff had a golden opportunity to equalize when McCabe sent a ball into him and with the goal seemingly at his mercy, Peers throw his leg in front of the shot.

Eoin Doyle then wrapped up the points as John Dillon sent a fantastic ball up to the onrushing Doyle who showed a great first touch to take the ball around Mannus then to put the ball into the back of the net, sending the Rovers fans into raptures. In the process, Pat Sullivan managed to break the net when he dragged some of the pegs out of it. After failed attemptes from Mannus, Gerry Carrr, Dermot Brannigan and a ball boy, Andy Tiernan eventually saved the day when he fixed the net after about 3 minutes taken up just fixing it!

That would be the last action though as Rovers celebrated a massive win over Shamrock Rovers, and many of the fans will still be celebrating right now. It was a fanastic night overall as Forza Rovers and many other fans who joined them created an electric atmosphere at the Railway End in what could become their new home and the Red Stand broke out into a rare 'Nah Nah Nah Nah' chant. Next up is a trip to Tolka Park on Monday as Rovers take on Shelbourne in the EA Sports Cup.

Sligo Rovers: Clarke, Keane, McGuinness, Peers, Greene, Cretaro (Dillon, 73 mins), Kirby (Russell, 85 mins), Ndo, Ryan, Doyle, Blinkhorn

Subs not used: Kelly, Foran, Horgan, Ventre, McGoldrick

Shamrock Rovers: Mannus, Sullivan, Sives, Oman, Stevens (Twigg, 60 mins), McCabe, Turner (Finn, 18 mins), Rice, McCormacj, Dennehy, O' Neill (Kilduff. 76 mins)

Attendance: 1755

thebitoredblog Man of the Match: Gavin Peers