Rovers look to preserve Europa League hopes
SHAMROCK Rovers face an uphill task in trying to preserve their European League hopes when they travel to Stockholm to take on AIK on the second leg of the first qualifying round.
A 74th minute goal by Daniel Sundgren saw Stephen Bradley’s side slip to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of their Swedish opponents in the opening leg in Tallaght Stadium on Thursday.
Sam Bone in action against AIK in Tallaght
Rovers had carved out early openings in that match with Dan Carr and the newly-signed Dylan Watts going close, but they were unable to open the Hoops’ account.
And as AIK began to assert themsevles from the closing 15 minutes of the first half, Rovers found themselves pinned back more and stuggled to break into the final third, despite their hard-working efforts.
Certainly Bradley will have to employ more attacking measures if they are to have any chance of turning this one around at the Friends Arena tonight.
On the domestic front, the Hoops have been on a good run of late, taking ten points from their last four matches that included a win over Derry and a scoreless draw with defending champions Cork City.
