Drogheda United 0
Shamrock Rovers 2
SHAMROCK ROVERS TOOK a step closer to securing European football as goals from Ronan Finn and Brandon Miele gave them a 2-0 victory away to relegated Drogheda United.
In what was a frustrating first half for Rovers, it was James Doona who had the only shot on target as his volley forced Stephen McGuinness into a low save.
It was Drogheda who had the best chance of the opening 45 as Stephen Elliott met Sean Brennan’s corner but could only send his free header wide of Chencinski’s goal.
Rovers made Drogheda pay for that miss as they took the lead early in the second half. Brandon Miele broke down the left, held the play up and squared the ball for his captain Ronan Finn to tap in to give the Hoops the lead.
The Hoops doubled their lead with twenty-one minutes to play as neat play between Shaw, Doona and Miele in the box ended with Miele passing into the far corner for Rovers second of the game.
The visitors twice had chances to extend their lead further through substitute Sean Boyd but the youngster was first denied by McGuinness before shooting narrowly wide with just five minutes to play.
Drogheda United: McGuinness; Deasy, Buckley, Gallagher, Kane; Purdy, McEvoy (Bayly 67’), S Brennan (C); Elworthy, Elliott (Meaney 65’), Doyle (Wixted 82′).
Shamrock Rovers: Chencinski; Carpenter, Grace, Webster, Madden; Connolly, Doona, Miele, Finn (C) (Boyd 72’), McAllister (King 46’); Shaw (M O’Connor 72’).
Referee: Damien McGrath.
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