Bohemians 0
Shamrock Rovers 2
IT’S BEEN A tough couple of weeks for Shamrock Rovers.
On-field struggles soon led to off-field chaos with Trevor Croly’s departure over the weekend.
But, tonight at Dalymount Park, they put the negativity to the back of their minds and secured a place in this year’s EA Sports Cup final.
Goals from Kieran ‘Marty Waters and Dean Kelly ensured a 2-0 victory over local rivals Bohemians.
Following the thumping league defeat to Limerick and Croly’s subsequent removal as manager, John Gill stepped in as caretaker boss and attempted to instil some confidence and Waters gave the fragile side the perfect start, grabbing the opener after just 8 minutes.
With Bohs unable to make a substantial breakthrough, the result was tied up midway through the second half when Dean Kelly doubled Rovers’ advantage.
Tonight’s result was the perfect tonic for Rovers and surely impressed Pat Fenlon, who was an interested spectator.
The former Hibernian, Shelbourne and Bohs’ boss is believed to be close to replacing Croly as Rovers manager with some reports prior to kick-off suggesting the deal could be done prior to Friday’s clash with Derry City.
Dundalk 5
Wexford Youths 0
In the night’s other semi-final, Dundalk beat First Division Wexford Youths 5-0 at Oriel Park.
The result was slightly flattering for the Premier Division side, three goals in the final quarter making it a rout.
The league leaders took 24 minutes to break the deadlock, Mark Griffin heading home Ruairi Higgins’ corner and their lead was doubled by the break when Keith Ward found the net; Higgins again the provider.
David McMillan grabbed a brace either side of John Mountney’s 82nd minute effort to secure a final berth against Shamrock Rovers.
Pat Fenlon all but installed as manager… Onwards and upwards for the Hoops!
Fenlon’s time in charge of Shelbourne and Bohemians brought plenty of trophies, but he certainly didn’t do it on the cheap. In fact, when he left, both clubs were in financial ruin. I hope the Rovers board don’t plan to spend recklessly.
@ dublin dweller. The squad at his disposal is good enough to be up there with Dundalk. I wouldn’t swap the back 4 of Madden , Cornwall / Luke Byrne , McGuinness & Kenna for any other defensive unit in the league. Perm any from McPhail , Finn , McCabe , Robinson , Brennan , Waters or Bayley and you’ve a tasty midfield. Sheppard needs game time and with Zayed shown the door him and Kilduff are 2 strikers I’d be happy to play together every week. I don’t think Fenlon will reckon a big overhaul is needed. It’s the way Croly had us set up and the negativity about his game plans that saw us found out time after time.
Who needs Croly? COYH
Good call les
Shamstone rovers will win
Cheers Ki
The Rovers chairman came out with a stinging outburst last week after Alan Cawleys coments on soccer Republic about Trevor Croly – yet he sacked a few days later. The form wasn’t good but strange nonetheless