Rovers deliver with second-half blitz

THREE second-half goals at Tallaght Stadium last night ensured Airtricity Premier Division holders Shamrock Rovers saw off Monaghan United, taking all three points from their first home game.

Former Rovers boss Roddy Collins looked like upsetting his old side as Willo McDonagh’s third-minute header saw the visitors lead 1-0 at the break. However, two quick-fire goals from Killian Brennan and Billy Dennehy after the restart put the champions in control and substitute Aaron Greene grabbed a third in stoppage time.

Despite Gary Twigg forcing Monaghan goalkeeper Chris Bennion into a save in the opening minute with a low snapshot, the visitors went one better with their first attack. Darragh Reynor floated a free kick from 40 yards into the Rovers box on three minutes and McDonagh got ahead of his marker. The midfielder’s helping glance from six yards was enough to leave Oscar Jansson in goal stranded as the ball looped over the keeper and into the net.