Rovers close the gap at the top of league

Shamrock Rovers secured a 2-0 victory over Airtricity League leaders Shelbourne on Sunday putting them within touching distance of their Dublin counterparts at the top of the division.

A tidy finish from Jack Byrne opened the scoring for the Hoops before Neil Farrugia delivered the dagger with five minutes to go.

The consequence of the result sees Shels now just two points clear of Rovers with three games to go, while Derry lie four points off the top with two games in hand on both sides above them.

Stephen Bradley made four changes from the side who started on Thursday night in Europe, as Sean Hoare, Darragh Burns, Jack Byrne and Dylan Watts all came into the starting eleven.

Rovers’ ability to bring in experienced quality was in stark contrast to Damien Duff’s side who due to injuries and the suspensions of Paddy Barrett and Matty Smith were forced to name six academy players on the bench.

The opening goal came on 17 minutes as Neil Farrugia done what he does best and drove down the left wing before cutting the ball back to Jack Byrne who’s clever outside of the boot finish flew past Conor Kearns from Templeogue in the Shels goal.

Shamrock Rovers Aaron Greene and Sean Gannon of Shelbourne battle for possession. Photos George Kelly

The table toppers enjoyed a fair share of the ball and created some chances in the opening half, but their first big chance of the game came after seven minutes of the second half as former hoop Sean Boyd got in behind the Rovers defence and crossed for Ali Coote who saw his shot well saved by Leon Pohls.

In a week which had seen Shelbourne score two top class goals on Monday night, they almost had a third when O’Sullivan’s clipped pass into the box was met by Harry Wood who swivelled and volleyed the ball of the bar.

However, Rover’s quality told in the end, as with five to go, Graham Burke backheeled the ball into Farrugia’s path and the former Ireland u21 international had the freedom of Tallaght Stadium to drive into the box before finding the bottom left hand corner with his finish.

It is now one win in 10 for Damien Duff’s side and eight points taken, only Dundalk have taken less points in as many games.

It may still be in their hands as Duff has liked to emphasise over the last few games, but you can’t help feel the title is slipping away from their grasp.