Rovers go top after derby drama

A GAME which began in a whisper ended with a scream in Tallaght last night, as Shamrock Rovers got the win against champions and arch-rivals Bohemians which takes the Hoops back to the top of the League of Ireland.

But Rovers are only there because, after Padraig Amond’s 80th minute winner, Jason Byrne contrived to miss a penalty for Bohs in an intensely dramatic and controversial final 10 minutes which also saw Rovers’ Pat Sullivan sent off.

A noisy full house of 6,000, including in their number Ireland assistant manager Liam Brady, made for an electric atmosphere beneath the lights at Tallaght Stadium as the top two in Dublin and Ireland renewed an age-old rivalry. For regular visitors to League of Ireland games, where empty seats and tumbleweed are too often the norm, the surroundings were enough in themselves to put a smile on the face and prompt the inevitable reflection: wouldn’t it be great if it was like this all the time?