Cup double delight for Rovers U19s

WHILE all the focus was on Shamrock Rovers lifting the Airtricity League crown, it was a huge weekend for the club’s U19s who won the National League and Cup double.

The Tallaght side became the first club to achieve the double at this level and have a good chance now of qualifying for the UEFA U19 Champions League depending on other results elsewhere.

Rovers completed the double on Sunday in dramatic circumstances when a Carl Lennon goal at the death on 94 minutes secured Tony Cousin’s side the title.

Coming into the match, all that Pat’s needed was a draw to secure the league while Rovers required a victory to get them over the line so it was all to play for.

And it could not have come to a more dramatic conclusion when Lennon was quickest to react to a poor clearance after a free kick from Naj Razi to head the ball home from just outside the box.

St Pat’s got off to the best start in this match when they broke through the Rovers defence inside the opening minute with Anthony Dodd firing home.

Both sides had opportunities at both ends of the pitch but it was Rovers who drew level just before the break from Conan Noonan.

The second half saw both teams go for it and chances but despite a couple of opportunities goals did not come until injury time when Lennox found the net.

It rounded off a brilliant week for the Hoops who secured the National Cup title the previous Monday when they overcame Galway United in the final.

“I’m absolutely delighted for the lads to complete the double for the first time,” said Shamrock Rovers manager Tony Cousins who took over the team only this year.

“I have seen the lads improve in every match and they have pulled together all season and to win the league title in brilliant.

“They are a great bunch of lads to work with, they showed great character to come from a goal down and get a late winner.

“It has been a great week for the club as a whole and it was nice to see Stephen Bradley at the match to support the lads.

“I’m a Rovers man and to see the club wins these titles in the past week is just amazing,” reflected Cousins.

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