Shamrock Rovers 3
Sligo Rovers 0
SHAMROCK ROVERS MOVED up to third in the Airtricity League table tonight after they easily overcame Sligo Rovers in a rain-soaked Tallaght Stadium.
The home side started with real intent in their play, and with Gary McCabe, Brandon Miele and Dean Clarke all supporting Gary Shaw up top, they looked a lot more dynamic than they have done recently.
An early goal also helped, and that came via McCabe from the penalty spot after six minutes when Craig Roddan was punished for dragging Gavin Brennan down.
McCabe really took on the responsibility in the opening quarter of an hour. He played in a beautifully crafted chipped pass to Shaw, the striker was brave, but he headed over.
A succession of corner kicks from John Russell then got Sligo into the tie, with Craig Hyland dropping the ball on one occasion, but the visitors never capitalised on a decent period for them.
Comfortable
Both Raffaele Cretaro and Jordan Richards on the right showed glimpses of their quality as the half continued, but Hyland was rarely tested and just before the break Shaw doubled Rovers’ lead when he stuck the ball in at the near post.
The second half began with Sligo looking to assert themselves, but after some good play they were undone for a third time when McCabe headed in from close-range just before the hour mark.
The chances kept coming for the home side, and Danny North was unlucky not to score when he hit the side netting after McCabe had his header well saved by Schlingermann.
Sligo did improve in the final stages of the tie, but they rarely threatened Hyland’s goal, and in the end the win was a comfortable one for the Pat Fenlon’s side.
SHAMROCK ROVERS: Hyland, Madden, Cornwall, Webster, G Brennan, K Brennan (Boyd, 83), Cregg, McCabe, Shaw (North, 61), D Clarke (McPhail, 74), Miele
SUBS: Murphy, North, Boyd, Heaney, Purdy, McCaffrey, McPhail.
SLIGO ROVERS: Schlingermann, Adebayo-Rowling, Donelon, Boylan, Leahy, Roddan, Richards (Roberts, 73), Keohane, Russell, Cretaro (Gordan, 83), Martin (Sadlier, 67).
SUBS: Clancy, Lyons, Roberts, Sadlier, Gordan, Armstrong, Place.
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