Shamrock Rovers 0-3 Dundalk
SSE Airtricity League Premier Division
By Jamie Moore at Tallaght Stadium
Dundalk’s grip on a third SSE Airtricity League Premier Division title in a row tightened at Tallaght Stadium on Friday night.
In the venue where they won the league in 2015, Stephen Kenny’s team took all three points thanks to second half goals from man of the match Brian Gartland, Dane Massey and Ciaran Kilduff.
Dundalk are still four points ahead of Cork City with four matches to play.
For Rovers, it’s another heavy home defeat, and their second loss in row, having lost 1-0 to bitter rivals Bohemians last weekend.
They are still looking over their shoulders in terms of European qualification for next season with Sligo Rovers just five points behind with two matches left and Derry five ahead.
Dominant
The Champions had dominated the first-half, which was delayed by a couple of minutes as the players, the referee or the TV cameras couldn’t see the pitch!
That was due to a combination of smoke from the numerous flares lit by the Rovers’ fan, and the torrential rain which lashed down all the way up to kick off.
Dundalk should have been 1-0 up early in the game, Ronan Finn’s perfect pass sent Dave McMillan through on goal, his first time shot was well saved by Barry Murphy, who had raced from his goal to block, but Dundalk’s top scorer should have netted another.
Crosses from Alan Keane and then John Mountney caused problems in the Rovers’ box, but they were able to clear before the home team had a penalty claimed waved away after Stevie O’Donnell’s tackle on Sean Boyd.
Stephen Bradley moved from the 4-4-2 formation he had started the game with to a three man midfield, and it did stem the Dundalk flow.
Dundalk’s best chance of a dominant first half came via Alan Keane’s deep cross, it was headed back across the box by McMillan to the waiting Patrick McEleney but he somehow volleyed over from six yards.
McMillan and Daryl Horgan both had shots saved by the busy Murphy before Rovers registered their first shot at goal in the 45th minute, it came via Brandon Miele’s right foot, at least it gave the wet and cold ball-boy something to do!
And a mention too for Rovers left back Trevor Clarke, who made one of the best crunching tackles we've ever seen just before HT, he got himself that wet, they’ve given him new shorts for the second half!!!
Opener
Brian Gartland finally made the breakthrough seven minutes after half-time.
John Mountney’s corner was headed goal-wards by Gartland, who had a brilliant game, it was saved by Murphy but the big centre-back was there first to bundle the rebound into the net from close range (above).
Daryl Horgan’s shot had been tipped over the crossbar after good play by McElenty, that corner let to the goal.
Killer
Dundalk clinched the game over a nine minute spell around the hour mark.
Gartland chipped the ball over a Rovers’ back four that was waiting for an offside flag, it didn’t come. Kilduff (below) looped his shot Murphy and Dane Massey easily finished to the empty net to put the Champions well in control with a 2-0 lead.
‘Killer’ turned from provider to scorer in the 71st minute.
A mistake by David O’Connor gifted possession to Dundalk, Ronan Finn’s cross found the ex Hoop in the box, and his scrappy finish dribbled into the net.
Rovers had a chance to get one back after some clever play by Gary Shaw, but the rare attack was snuffed out by Gartland.
Dundalk travel to Longford Town on Monday, while Rovers' welcome Bray Wanderers to Tallaght next Friday, on what could be a nervy night.
Shamrock Rovers – Barry Murphy; Simon Madden, Sean Heaney, Dave O’Connor, Trevor Clarke; Brandon Miele (James Doona, 65), Dave Webster, Gary McCabe, Dean Clarke (Luke Kiely, 63); Gary Shaw, Sean Boyd.
Dundalk – Gabriel Sava; Alan Keane, Andy Boyle, Brian Gartland, Dane Massey; Stephen O’Donnell (Chris Shields, 13); John Mountney, Ronan Finn, Patrick McEleney (Dean Shiels, 77), Daryl Horgan; Dave McMillan (Ciaran Kilduff, 55).
Ref – Paul McLaughlin
