Finn rescues 10-man Rovers

IT was honours even in the big Dublin derby last night as a game which only rarely hit the heights in terms of quality, produced a dramatic finish and a crowd of 3,100 as Shamrock Rovers, a goal behind and reduced to 10 men, broke Bohemians hearts and snatched a 93rd minute equaliser through a towering Ronan Finn header from a Conor McCormack corner.

Bohemians’ unexpectedly strong start to a season which many had predicted would be nothing but a vale of tears had seen them accumulate 11 points from six games going into their first ‘Old Firm’ game of 2011. Rovers were looking to get the defence of their title back on track after their unbeaten league start had come to a shock halt at home to Bray last week.

Manager Michael O’Neill had obviously been taken with the redemptive midweek 2-0 win against Sligo, opting last night to start the same side which had come out on top in that Setanta Cup game against the Bit O’ Red, meaning they were once again without injured Gary Twigg.