Shamrock Rovers wear Drogheda United down and leapfrog them at top of the table
Aaron Greene scored his second sublimely-taken goal of the week as
Shamrock Rovers
wore down
Drogheda United
at Tallaght Stadium to leapfrog them to the top of the Premier Division table.
Central defender Lee Grace provided the assist for Greene's opener before heading a second himself in a dynamic three-minute spell early in the second half which effectively sealed the points.
Substitute Rory Gaffney added a third goal in stoppage time following a defensive blunder.
A second win over Drogheda this year, and a seventh of the campaign, thus sees Rovers back at the summit, on goal difference ahead of in-form Derry City, for the first time since winning their four-in-a-row titles at the end of the 2023 season.
READ MORE
With Josh Honohan returning at left-wingback the only change from Monday's win over Sligo Rovers, Hoops enjoyed plenty of possession throughout a first half of utter frustration for Stephen Bradley's side.
With a solid shape and focus, Drogheda came to spoil with goalkeeper Luke Dennison spoken to for timewasting as early as the 10th minute.
Nonetheless, it was Kevin Doherty's side who had the game's first real opening two minutes later when Shane Farrell curled a free kick not far wide.
As was the case in Monday's win over Sligo, Rovers had to show patience in moving the ball to find openings, finally cutting Drogheda open when going direct on 25 minutes.
Jack Byrne's long ball over the top found the run of Greene in behind. He worked it back to Matt Healy who fed Graham Burke to drive straight at Dennison.
Rovers' patience looked to have finally paid off six minutes later following incisive approach play by Danny Grant, Burke and Byrne which resulted in Owen Lambe tripping Honohan to concede a penalty.
Burke had opened the scoring emphatically from the spot against Sligo on Monday. But it wasn't to be on this occasion. The penalty lacked conviction as it arrowed wide off the base of a post.
Rovers upped the tempo from the restart, tenaciously pinning Drogheda inside their area.
And whatever may have been said at half-time worked as they were 2-0 up inside eight minutes.
The opening goal in the 50th minute caught Drogheda's back line flat footed as Grace dinked a telling pass in behind. Greene controlled the dropping ball superbly on his chest before turning and calmly lobbing it over Dennison for a delightful fourth goal of the campaign.
Three minutes later, Dennison pushed a shot from Healy out for a corner.
Byrne's delivery was on the money as Grace rose highest to get his head to the ball and find the net for his second goal of the season.
Gaffney then capped Rovers' dominant evening three minutes into added time.
Dennison merely succeeded in heading an attempted clearance from outside his area against Michael Noonan with the ball rebounding to Gaffney who walked it into the net.
Derry City move second after an 82nd minute Danny Mullen goal gave them a 2-1 victory away to second-bottom Cork City, the Candystripes fifth win in six games.
Derry led from the 27th minute at Turner's Cross when Gavin Whyte set up Liam Boyce for his fourth goal of the season before Dutch striker Djenairo Daniels scored a 62nd minute equaliser.
Kerr McInroy scored a dramatic 90th-minute winner as champions Shelbourne came from behind to beat St Patrick's Athletic 2-1 at Tolka Park.
Mason Melia had given the Inchicore side a first half lead before Harry Wood levelled three minutes into the second half.
A 27th-minute strike from Darragh Leahy brought Waterford a 1-0 victory over Galway United at the RSC as they made it four wins on the spin in new manager John Coleman's first game in charge.
Shamrock Rovers:
McGinty; Grace, Lopes, C. O'Sullivan; Grant (J. O'Sullivan, 84), Nugent (Ozhianvuna, 84), Healy, Byrne (Barrett, 84), Honohan; Burke (Gaffney, 73); Greene (Noonan, 83).
Drogheda United:
Dennison; Ahui, Keeley, Cooper (Oluwa, 59); Lambe, Farrell (Cruise, 72), Brennan (Bolger, 63), Heeney, Kane; Davis, Douglas-Taylor.
Referee:
Rob Harvey (Dublin).
Attendance:
6,101.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Times
42 minutes ago
- Irish Times
‘Irish people have shown us kindness': Afghan exiles on life in Ireland after the Taliban
In August 2021, the Taliban retook control of Kabul , the Afghan capital, ending two decades of relative freedom there, particularly for women. Girls' schools were closed , women were forced out of workplaces, and public life narrowed under growing restrictions. For many Afghan women, fleeing the country became not a choice, but a necessity. Among those who found refuge in Ireland was Hogai Wardak. 'I was a final-year student at Kabul University when the Taliban took over,' she recalls. 'With their arrival, we lost everything.' Wardak was 21 when Kabul fell. She had already made her mark as a journalist and women's rights advocate, working across media, education and sport. Leaving meant starting again – but not giving up. READ MORE She had begun her media career in 2017, working with Zan TV (meaning Women TV), Azmon Radio, and several local outlets. Her work focused on amplifying the voices of women and youth. She later founded Pohah (Knowledge), an education and empowerment initiative, and established a preschool, Rasa, which educated more than 80 children and employed up to 20 women. [ Afghan women banned from parks, gyms and amusements Opens in new window ] At Zan TV, Wardak created and hosted Women Power, a programme by, and for, Afghan women, highlighting the achievements of female professionals. A former cricketer, she was also involved in efforts to gain official recognition for Afghanistan's women's cricket team, helping secure contracts for players in 2020. On August 21st, 2021, Wardak left Kabul. After spending 10 days in Qatar, she was told she would be resettled in Ireland. 'My life here is peaceful. I'm finishing my studies and plan to grow my Afghan clothing business, M4U – Made For You – which currently employs 15 women in Afghanistan' — Hogai Wardak 'I had never heard of Ireland before, but I came here seeking safety – and the chance to continue my education and work.' Her first job was as a waitress. 'Every time I looked in the mirror, I remembered who I had been – a journalist, an athlete, an advocate. But Irish people I met at the restaurant were kind and open. That made a difference.' Today, Wardak is studying business at Dublin Business School and works as deputy director of Sadaa – Sister Action for Dignified Access in Afghanistan – an organisation that supports Afghan women. She also hosted a podcast, Open Mic, as part of the Open Doors Initiative, which creates pathways to employment, education and entrepreneurship for marginalised groups. 'My life here is peaceful. I'm finishing my studies and plan to grow my Afghan clothing business, M4U – Made For You – which currently employs 15 women in Afghanistan,' she says. This is despite the Taliban ban on women working in most sectors. Before the Taliban returned to power, Farahnaz Haidary held a senior role in government finance and spent her spare time working on legal awareness, education and women's empowerment. When Kabul fell, her professional and personal identities were placed at immediate risk. 'As a woman in a leadership role, I knew the threat was real,' she says. 'It was the hardest decision of my life – leaving my home, my community, and my work. But I carried my skills and determination with me. If I could survive the journey, I believed I could rebuild.' Farahnaz Haidary, women's and human rights activist, at UCC. Photograph: Daragh McSweeney/Provision Haidary had been an audit manager at Afghanistan's Supreme Audit Office, overseeing government finances while also volunteering with NGOs that supported women and female-headed households. 'It was never about profit – it was about building futures,' she says. She arrived in Ireland uncertain of what to expect. 'No one knew me or what I could do. I was seen as a migrant. But I had years of experience and education. Finding my place has taken time, but the welcome and kindness of Irish people helped me feel safe.' Now based in Cork, Haidary is pursuing a master's degree in education, human rights and equality at Mary Immaculate College. She also manages the Sanctuary Catering Project at Saoirse – Ethnic Hands on Deck – and is founder of the Domhan Green Society, which promotes mental health and community support. 'My work now supports migrants and vulnerable communities of all backgrounds. Mental health is one of the biggest challenges migrants face – and we need to do more to address it.' While both women express gratitude for the safety they've found in Ireland, the process of resettlement has not been easy. Language barriers, cultural adjustment, and the pressure to prove their capabilities all presented early challenges. Afghanistan is 'not safe, and the freedoms I value – education, work, speech – do not exist. Here, I can use my skills and pursue my goals' — Farahnaz Haidary 'Many migrants come with education and experience, but face hurdles in being [professionally] recognised,' says Haidary. 'You are often seen through a single lens – as a refugee or asylum seeker – not as a professional.' Wardak adds: 'Afghan women are strong and brave, despite the restrictions we face back home. We want people in Ireland to know that we love our culture and are eager to contribute.' Both women speak of Ireland's openness, and of shared values. 'Irish people understand migration because of their own history,' says Haidary. 'There's a deep sense of family, hospitality, and community that we relate to.' Neither sees a return to Afghanistan for themselves in the near future. 'It's not safe, and the freedoms I value – education, work, speech – do not exist,' Haidary says. 'Here, I can use my skills and pursue my goals.' Wardak agrees. 'Afghan women are heroes. We hope for a day when we can return. But for now, we are building our lives.' Despite the distance from home, both women are committed to preserving their Afghan identity – and sharing it. Wardak hopes to expand her M4U clothing brand internationally, showcasing Afghan craftsmanship and creating employment for women in the country. Haidary's Domhan Green Society organises multicultural events and encourages dialogue across communities. 'We share traditions to keep them alive – but also to learn from others,' she says. 'Life here is a blend of Afghan roots and Irish life.' To the women still living under Taliban rule, Haidary offers a message: 'Never lose hope. Keep learning, keep growing. Your strength and dreams are yours. We are here to amplify your voices and stand with you.' Wardak echoes this: 'Afghan women face immense challenges, but they are not alone. Irish people have shown us kindness. We want to give back and be part of this society.'
Irish Independent
3 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Kerry Rose is not feeling under pressure to complete ‘the double' after Kingdom's All-Ireland win
Talk of the Kingdom winning 'the double' of the All-Ireland and the Rose of Tralee has abounded since the Kerry footballers lifted Sam Maguire.
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Ed McGinty can rely on ‘absolutely mental' memory if Shamrock Rovers & Ballkani ends up going to penalties
Stephen Bradley also spoke about his approach to shootouts IN MY 'ED Ed McGinty can rely on 'absolutely mental' memory if Shamrock Rovers & Ballkani ends up going to penalties SHAMROCK ROVERS keeper Ed McGinty will not get wound up preparing for penalties — but he will be ready with his bottle if needed. The Hoops host Kosovans Ballkani tonight trailing 1-0 from the first leg as they look to book a Conference League play-off. 2 He feels ready if it goes all the way to a penalty shootout 2 Stephen Bradley has a similar approach to them as McGinty Penalties are possible after a tight first game. But McGinty said he will leave it to the Hoops' analysts to prepare rather than focus on it himself. And for proof that his system works, he pointed to one of the best nights of his career in 2022 when he was in goal for Sligo Rovers as they beat Welsh outfit Bala Town in a Conference League shootout. McGinty said: 'It was mental, it was absolutely mental. That's one of the ones that sticks out.' McGinty turned to then-Sligo Rovers analyst Chris Jenkins in that tie for help and he delivered. The Hoops No 1 explained: 'I think it was during half-time of extra-time when I said to Chris, 'You're going to have to do a wee bit of research here quickly'. 'In fairness, he went and got a bottle and I think one of them was wrong. So a lot of credit went to him. One of them was wrong and that was that. So he did well.' Jenkins — who now works with St Pat's — provided information on four of the spot-kick takers correctly as McGinty saved two to send Sligo through that night. And the stopper will take the same approach again if tonight's tie goes that far, with boss Stephen Bradley taking a similar view. Bradley's Hoops have been involved in three shootouts during his nine years in charge, winning two and losing one — against Molde earlier this year. He avoids penalty preparation, explaining: 'I've never been a believer in that. You can't create a game situation. Chelsea legend John Terry gives up dream of becoming a manager 'I could be the best penalty taker in the team, but on the day, I'm off . . . all that comes into play. 'There will be players that will stay back and take some, I'm sure, but it won't be as a collective. It's in that moment. Who's feeling it? Who wants it?' McGinty has had some penalty practice with team-mates — but that often involves him taking a few as well. He continued: 'I'll do a little bit of practising. I'd rather save them than score them. But if you have to step up and hit one, I'll just give that a go.' 'STAY CALM' His preference, naturally, is that the Hoops go through with ease in 90 minutes. He added: 'We want the fans and we want the roar from them. 'There will be times in the game where you'll feel like you're on top and times where you have to defend and that's just football. 'I just try to stay calm through it all and just try and do my job. That's all I really try to do.'
