THE REIGNING PREMIER Division champions got off to a winning start last night as a goal either side of half-time from Gary Twigg helped Shamrock Rovers to a 2-1 win over Drogheda United at Hunky Dory Park.
Dean Marshall’s long-range free-kick made its way past a crowd of players and goalkeeper Oscar Jansson to give the home side a fortunate lead against the run of play on 34 minutes after Stephen Rice had conceded the foul.
The Hoops midfielder was on hand to create the equaliser minutes later however, as he slotted through to Twigg, who made no mistake with the finish.
It took Rovers eight minutes of the second half to go ahead and remain there for the rest of the game. A free-kick from Billy Dennehy wasn’t properly dealt with and their Glaswegian striker fired home No2.
The 27-year-old claimed 15 league goals last season and already looks on his way to repeating that tally. Although it was far from a vintage display, new manager Stephen Kenny will be glad of the win ahead of next week’s first home game against Monaghan United.
Last season’s runners-up Sligo Rovers needed a Jason McGuinness goal in injury time to rescue a point away to Shelbourne, who had taken the lead in the 42nd minute through an excellent free-kick by Philly Hughes.
The visitors were forced to play the entire second half with 10 men after Mark Quigley was given his marching orders for a clumsy challenge on winger Paddy Kavanagh and Bit O’Red captain Danny Ventre believes a point apiece was probably about right given the circumstances.
It was a fair result in the end,” the defender told TheScore. “We showed a lot of character, and I think we had the majority of chances as well.
“The only real one they had was the set-piece that they scored from which I didn’t think was a free-kick. The referee has seen something else and given a free for it.
“We came here with the aim not to get beaten first of all so we’ve achieved that. With going down to ten men and that, gaining a point is like winning a game sometimes but I think the lads were a bit disappointed that we only got a draw in the end.”
On Quigley’s sending off, he remarked: “Thinking about it now, he has lashed out so he hasn’t got a leg to stand on and I think it was a red.”
At the Brandywell, Stephen McLaughlin was at the centre of the action as Derry saw off Bohemians thanks to a single goal.
The Candystripes wide player was on the receiving end of a dangerous challenge by Adam Martin, who was immediately dismissed, before he broke the deadlock with a header from Simon Madden’s cross.
Referee Neil Doyle sends off Bohemians Adam Martin for his challenge on Derry’s Stephen McLaughlin Credit: ©INPHO/Presseye/Lorcan Doherty
Liam Buckley saw his St Patrick’s Athletic team claim a narrow win over Bray with former Shamrock Rovers forward Dean Kelly the only name on the scoresheet.
It arrived 15 minutes into the game, when Sean O’Connor’s corner was headed over the line by Kelly despite the attempts by Dean Zambra to scramble the ball clear.
In what was a busy night for referees, both David Webster and Jake Kelly were sent off in the closing quarter of an hour.
UCD spoiled Cork City’s party on their return to the Premier Division at the Belfield Bowl. The Students had midfielder Mark Langtry to thank for the decisive goal on 35 minutes in what was a poor display by the Leesiders.
The only 0-0 of the opening night was witnessed at Kingspan Century Park, where neither Monaghan United nor Dundalk were able find the back of the net.
In the First Divsion, there were wins for title favourites Limerick, who saw off Finn Harps 2-1, Athlone Town beat SD Galway by the same scoreline, Longford grabbed a 1-0 victory over Mervue United, while Wexford Youths put six past Waterford United without reply.
