Solid defence key for Grace
A ROCK solid defence has been key to Shamrock Rovers’ strong start to the 2019 Airtricity League campaign, something that is not lost on Lee Grace.
The Hoops defender has played his part in an impressive opening phase for Stephen Bradley’s side that has seen them top the Premier Division table after shipping just two goals in their opening seven matches.
Lee Grace has played his part in a rock solid Shamrock Rovers defence so far this season.
And they have the chance to extend their advantage at the summit to seven points when they travel to Finn Harps tomorrow night (Friday).
“If you can keep clean sheets you always give yourself a chance and that’s what we’re about as defenders” Grace told The Echo.
“We’ve conceded only two goals in our first seven games and they came from a free kick and a penalty so we haven’t conceded from open play yet.
“The back four has been chopping and changing, but the players coming in are as good as the players they’re replacing and that’s a good headache for the manager” he added.
In what is the only Premier Division fixture this week, Rovers travel to Donegal to take on a Finn Harps side they have already beaten 3-0 in Tallaght Stadium earlier this month.
And confidence will have been further bolstered within their ranks after they also put three past Sligo Rovers without response in their last match on Friday.
“We’re coming into this game on the back of a very good performance against Sligo” said Grace.
“I thought we dominated for the full 90 minutes and we could have won by more. It was nice to keep a clean sheet and get three points on the board.
Yet the Rovers defender warned “Everyone will be expecting us to win, but if you go into a game expecting to win you’re already starting on the backfoot.
“I know we beat them [Finn Harps] already, but it will be a whole different game up there. Their pitch is a lot narrower so there’s not as much room to play.
“They’re down the bottom of the table so they’ll be looking for a result and it’s in their ground so it will be tough” he said.
