Hoops braced for Galway backlash

HAVING hit Galway United for six in the cup, Shamrock Rovers should now fancy their chances of making it a six-point lead at the top of the Airtricity Premier Division when they again host the Tribesmen at Tallaght Stadium tonight (8pm).

However, manager Michael O’Neill is wary of a Galwegian backlash as his side seek to exploit Bohemians’ slip-up against Sligo in what has become a two-horse title race between the big Dublin rivals.

“I was delighted with how things went in last week’s game; it was a great reaction from the lads,” he said, referring to Rovers’ resurgent goal-spree in the cup after Dundalk had put five past the Hoops in the league. “But because of that, Galway will be hurting coming back here, and they will be out to do their utmost to cause an upset.