A thrilling Dublin showdown ended in a stalemate, with the match between Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic closing at 2-2. The young and fearless Mason Melia showed great tenacity for St Patrick’s, earning them a prized point in the League of Ireland Premier Division. As a result, Shamrock fell to third position after Derry City pulled off a victory against Bohemians, thanks to a goal by Michael Duffy.
In a week dominated by St Pat’s stories, Head Coach Jon Daly was given the boot creating a void for the role. Reports are hinting that Stephen Kenny is the main contender for the managerial seat. Meanwhile, previous player for both Shamrock and St Pat’s, Seán O’Connor had the reins as acting head coach.
1,500 fans from the away team were heartened to see a promising opening move by Ruairí Keating, partnering with Chris Forrester and Anto Breslin before narrowly missing a goal. However, the Rovers took the lead early due to Aaron Greene’s clinical finish – his eighth conversion in just 11 matches.
The game reached a critical point when Markus Poom’s pass put St Pat’s captain, Joe Redmond, in a tight spot, which allowed Greene an opportunity to score, but Daniel Rogers’ swift move saved the ball with the heel of his foot. Rogers was again stretched into action soon after, foiling Greene and Neil Farrugia from scoring.
The match saw a turnaround when St Pat’s re-emerged to level the scores, credit to Kavanagh, who assisted Turner to score with a headshot, utilizing a perfect free-kick. Rogers continued to impress as he held off various attempts at goal from Kenny, leaving the match in a 2-2 tie at half-time.
O’Connor made an alteration to St Pat’s team formation by positioning both Keating and Melia at the forefront. The young boy of only sixteen experienced a quiet first segment of the match. He had a tough baptism into men’s football with the robust physical presence of Daniel Cleary and Pico Lopes.
Melia continued tirelessly to venture into difficult areas, and eventually succeeded in outwitting Lopes, before a low pass was intercepted by Neil Farrugia.
A conflict of age and experience had an expected climax five minutes before the half-time break, when Lopes massively tackled Melia. The player from Cape Verde had to tolerate a yellow card.
Post the conflict, a snap judgement from referee Paul McLaughlin was made four minutes into the second half of the match. McLaughlin simply signalled to continue the game, when Lopes gave Melia a rough challenge.
Later Cleary joined in, causing the Ireland under-17 international player to squirm in discomfort before the play was allowed to resume.
Mason can endure it, expressed Kenny Cunningham from the TV gantry. He’s not going to be easily scared off.
Cleary managed to give Rovers the lead again at the 60th minute, connecting with Conan Noonan’s high arced out-swing in an unattended area. It was a similar strike to the one made by Turner.
St Pat’s continued to struggle till a hopeful long pass by Jamie Lennon caused Melia to overtake Lopes to strike, but surprisingly, Leon Pohls slipped when all he had to do was intercept and grab the descending ball.
Melia fulfilled his role, keeping St Pat’s in the league’s middle pack whilst leaving Rovers struggling behind Shels and Derry.
Shamrock Rovers: Pohls; Honohan, Lopes, Cleary, Kavanagh (Burns 61); Poom, Noonan (Byrne 61); Farrugia, Kenny (Burke 76), Greene, Nugent.
St Patrick’s Athletic: Rogers; Turner, Redmond, Keely, Breslin; Forester, Lennon, Bolger; Melia (Nolan 90), Keating (Mulraney 61), Kavanagh (Leavy 72).
Referee: Paul McLaughlin.