ISLAMABAD,29August22 (ONLINE): AFTER EIGHT CONSECUTIVE weeks of balancing domestic commitments with European exploits, it looked as if an extra 30 minutes against a dogged Drogheda United might be too much for Shamrock Rovers.
However, Stephen Bradley’s team dug into their reserves, of both energy and personnel, in search of a winner and it paid off. Andy Lyons supplied their 110th-minute goal – the second time in the space of 72 hours that the wing back had scored a memorable winner for his side.
Unlike Thursday’s second leg against Ferencvaros, this game meant something and extended Rovers interest in the competition they last won in 2019. A league and cup double remains on the table and with a competitive-looking UEFA Conference League group to manoeuvre too, it is an exciting time to be a Hoops fan.
Drogheda almost, as they have done on no shortage of occasions this season, spoiled the fun of a team towards the top of the Premier Division. It’s not trophies United have within their sights but they are obdurate opponents and have the requisite quality to trouble more well-resourced rivals.
It is fair to say that – bar Waterford’s defeat of holders St Pats – the FAI Cup has been short of major cup upsets this season, and despite United taking four points off Rovers this term, a victory for the part-timers would have certainly fallen into that category.
It wasn’t to be though, despite Bradley making seven changes to his line-up from the Europa League second leg win over Ferencvaros in midweek.
Goalscorer Lyons, goalkeeper Leon Pohls, Watts, Aaron Greene and the fit-again Jack Byrne were among the introductions to a line-up that underlined both Rovers’ unparalleled strength in depth and intention to progress in the cup competition.
Sean Gannon’s lead goal arrived just four minutes into the contest. Jack Byrne’s searching ball found Rory Gaffney who controlled before volleying goalwards. Colin McCabe saved but with the United defence slow to react to the loose ball, Gaffney was alert and turned the ball back across goal for the defender to fire in.
McCabe endured a busy first half as he was forced to save from Dylan Watts and then use his legs to deny Byrne from close range. Gaffney blazed over wildly when set up by Aaron Greene and second before the halftime whistle, he flashed a low drive across goal after Greene dummied Byrne’ forward pass.
United’s leveller, arriving as it did in the 58th minute, was deserved. Following Rovers dominant opening spell, the hosts battled their way back into the contest. The goal was their first genuine effort on goal but nonetheless was reward for not allowing themselves to be overwhelmed after conceding the lead goal.
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