In a thrilling encounter at Eamonn Deacy Park, Shamrock Rovers continued their promising resurgence with a narrow victory over European competitors, Galway United. The tie was rather unfortunately settled by an own goal, adding another twist to the League of Ireland’s extremely captivating season. Galway United and Shamrock Rovers met in September with the same objective in sight, injecting the match with a kind of exhilaration that equalled the reward at stake.
Acting as a contrast to the unfolding drama in Dundalk, this game served as a greatly needed diversion, putting a spotlight on the real essence that makes the League of Ireland compelling. Jack Byrne will be particularly remembered for his remarkable performance, having set up Rover’s first goal which Marc McNulty expertly executed following a confusion in United’s rear-guard.
Rovers’ attacks were equally threatening with Byrne and Dan Cleary earlier having near misses. McNulty was ever so close to doubling his score with Byrne being the creative driving force behind both chances. Roberto Lopes and Josh Honohan however, astonishingly fired over good opportunities.
Despite being dominant, Rovers found themselves levelled after Ed McCarthy tactfully drew a penalty, with an excellent manoeuvre on the right resulting in a handball in the box. Conor McCormack masterminded the penalty kick with certainty.
Nonetheless, the drama prolonged with Cleary remaining at the heart of the controversy. Rovers could have disputed the proximity between the ball and player before the penalty was awarded, but United’s claim was quite strong as they believed Cleary ought to have been sent off shortly. Cleary’s challenge on McCarthy saw him receive a caution, yet he avoided another booking after an altercation with Greg Cunningham, with Conor McCormack being booked instead.
Following a tumultuous first half, the second half fell short in terms of excitement. Rovers’ play was visually pleasing, featuring Byrne’s versatility across the pitch, and Farrugia posing threats from the right. The team had the luxury of bringing on Johnny Kenny and Danny Mandroiu, a privilege unmatched in the league.
However, when the third goal seemed inevitable, there was no particular player to take the credit. While Johnny Kenny’s quickness does raise the alarm, a pass turned into a bizarre self-goal by Garry Buckley who, in what seemed to be a misguided attempt to clear the ball, sent it soaring over his own goalkeeper.
Towards the end of the match, Bobby Burns and Pat Hickey came close to reclaiming a point, but it was Leon Pohls who clinched the victory following an exciting finale.
Galway United players included Clarke; Esua (subbed with Horgan 12, Burns 89), Buckley, Brouder, Cunningham; Keohane, Borden (replaced by Hurley at 72), McCormack (exchanged with O’ Keeffe 72), Hickey, McCarthy (taken off for Slevin 89); and Walsh.
Shamrock Rovers’ squad consisted of Pohls; Farrugia, Cleary, Lopes, Hoare (substituted by Clarke on 75), Honohan (replaced by Grace at 80); Towell (yielded to Kenny on 65), O’ Neill (off for Burns at 80), Watts; and Byrne, McNulty (subbed with Mandroiu at 65).
The match was overseen by Referee N Doyle.