Shamrock Rovers take major step towards League crown

Shamrock Rovers took a massive step towards the league title on Monday evening as they defeated arch rivals Bohemians 2-1 at Tallaght Stadium.

John McGovern gave Rovers the lead after half an hour though Bohs looked to be given a lifeline following a Ross Tierney equaliser after the 70th minute, but Dylan Watts would be on hand shortly after to secure a win for Rovers.

What will be most remembered about the game is the scuffle that erupted after the full time whistle between members of coaching staff as well as players on the pitch.

Reportedly four individuals have received red cards with Michael Noonan and Naj Razi on the Rovers side and Dawson Devoy and Stephen O’Donnell from the Bohemians camp receiving marching orders.Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley commented on the full time incident.

“What I’m told is one of the players threw a dig at young Michael [Noonan] from behind. I think that’s what started it,”

“There’s a lot of talking went on there. Silly stuff.

‘There seems to be a pattern. Every time there seems to be a row on the pitch, it’s the same people involved in it.

‘When it’s [Bohs against] different clubs, even Shels, Pat’s, it’s the same people involved in it. It needs to be looked at.

“Every time there has been rows on the pitch, they’ve been involved in them. Something needs to be done about that.”

After a blip in form following a frustrating summer, critics had began to appear of Bradley and the Rovers team as it looked like they were letting the title slip out of their grasp.

Now sitting three points above St Patrick’s Athletic, admittedly with an extra  game played and six ahead of Bohemians, Rovers are back in contention as frontrunners with just three games left to play in the season.

Bradley spoke about the challenges and criticisms his side have come under this campaign.

“The players showed second half why they’ve been the best, “That’s what annoys me when you question them. I don’t think you understand how hard it is.

‘Maybe they’ll get the credit down the line when they’re all done and it’s all past. But to show up every day for the best part of seven years is incredible.”

“You’ve seen teams win leagues and fall off, teams compete and fall off.

‘These men have continuously won and broken barriers and raised standards in Irish football.

‘To continue to do that, it takes some doing. It’s not easy. I go into these situations really comfortable with what I have in the dressing room.

‘It doesn’t mean we’re going to win. We might come up short. But I know they show up and they show up again.”

Rovers are on the road this Friday as they travel west to take on John Caulfield’s Galway United side.