Hoops’ dream close to reality

WITH Drogheda United engaged in matters European this week, Shamrock Rovers will be looking to cut the gap at the top of the eircom Premier Division to just four points when they host Longford Town at Tolka Park tonight (8pm).

That might be worth repeating: Shamrock Rovers are hot on the heels of the league leaders as the campaign enters the home straight. Few would have envisioned such a scenario at the start of the season as most pundits nominated champions from the ranks of Derry, Pats, Bohs and Cork. One notable exception was Rovers manager Pat Scully who, when asked about his ambitions for the newly-promoted Hoops, replied: “We want to win it.”

While the challenge of both Pats and Bohs has faded, Rovers are now flying the Dublin flag in the race to haul back Drogheda who are currently seven points clear at the top.