Kenna keen to kick on ahead of busy week

Shamrock Rovers registered their biggest league win since April 2013 on Friday night when they beat Sligo Rovers 5-1 to move within seven points of leaders Dundalk.

Stephen Kenny’s men lost for the first time this season, going down 2-1 to Bohemians, and with another game against Derry to come this week for Rovers, the title chase may not be the foregone conclusion everyone thought it was.

For Pat Fenlon’s men, a reaction was crucial after losing to St Pat’s seven days prior in the FAI Cup, and captain Conor Kenna was happy with the performance and the goals.

“I thought we did well, going forward we very good, maybe a bit sloppy at the back, but a good three points in the end” he explained.

“We didn’t play well down in Pat’s and didn’t really give ourselves a chance giving away the goals, but it was a test of our character against Sligo and we won the game well.

“The lads took the chances well and they probably could have had a few more, and there was some really great finishes, which is always good to see, plus it wasn’t just the one player scoring either so that’s another positive.

Mikey Drennan bagged a brace, while Kieran Marty-Waters also netted for the Hoops, but it was young Brandon Miele’s performance that really stood out.

He opened the scoring when he arrived into the box at the perfect time to smash home Simon Madden’s cross, and late on he fired past Richard Brush from a tight angle on the left.

But it was his pass for Drennan’s second that had the Tallaght faithful gasping, and if he continues to progress the way he has so far this term he could be a real jewel in the Rovers crown.

Unfortunately the good result was overshadowed slightly by injuries during the game to Ryan Brennan, Sean O’Connor and Maxime Blanchard, who all had to leave the pitch.

Fenlon confirmed that both Danny North and Keith Fahey will not be available for Monday’s tie with Derry, but Kenna believes there is now an opportunity for players in the squad to step and be counted.

“Obviously a few of the lads have picked up knocks tonight and have had to go off, but that’s where the squad should come in” he stated.

“A few of the lads will get chances now and they just have to take them, which is good for the competition within the team.

“It’s a tough week with Derry now on Monday and then Bohs on Friday but they’re the games you want to play in so we’ll have a little rest and then get back to it and prepare for Monday.”