Rovers win but Shelbourne take the title

An evening which began with fireworks and pyros ended in smoke for Shamrock Rovers as despite defeating Waterford 2-1 in Tallaght, a late Harry Wood goal in Derry stole the title from their grasps and succumbed them to second place.

An early goal from Johnny Kenny settled any Rovers nerves before Dylan Watts doubled the Rovers lead early in the second half, but Padraig Amond pulled one back with 20 minutes to go to set up a nervy finish.

Rovers started the game in a positive manner and went ahead in style after Graham Burke’s brilliant pass set up Kenny who cooly chipped over Sam Sargeant to give his side the lead.

The seemingly imminent Rovers onslaught did not really materialise in the first half, as Waterford looked threatening and could have found parity through a Conor Parsons half volley which was well saved by Leon Pohls.

Burke was at the heart of things once again and found himself through on goal after 33 minutes but an excellent tackle from Shane Flynn prevented him from doubling the lead.

The half time whistle followed with Rovers champions if things stayed scoreless in Derry.

After the restart Stephen Bradley’s side came out with an intensity and determination to kill the game off with a second.

They found it just under 10 minutes into the second half as MOTM Dylan Watts finished from close range after Neil Farrugia’s effort rattled the crossbar.

Rovers had a chance of a third on 60 minutes as a brilliant one two between Jack Byrne and Burke allowed the latter to square for Kenny who dragged his effort wide.

The pair who set up that chance would be replaced by Aaron McEneff and Aaron Greene heading into the final quarter.

Before either Aaron could settle into the game, Waterford pulled one back through Padraig Amond, who finished expertly after a good ball in from Ben McCormack on the right wing.

Waterford pushed for an equaliser with an Amond header clipping the crossbar, but the telling blow came with five minutes to go as Shelbourne took the lead and the title in Derry.

The remaining five in Tallaght was a non-event as information of Wood’s winner spread onto the pitch.

Rovers make it five wins in a row which will be of no consolation to Stephen Bradley without the title, as he turns his attention to their crucial UEFA Conference League game next week against The New Saints.