Graham Burke ensures safe passage for Shamrock Rovers

Shamrock Rovers 1 Stjarnan 0 (Shamrock Rovers win 2-0 on aggregate): A winning goal on the night from Graham Burke and several telling saves from goalkeeper Tomer Chencinski at the other end ensured Shamrock Rovers’ safe Europa League passage.

Stephen Bradley’s side, in addition to the monetary prize of €225,000, now meet FK Mlada Boleslav of Czech Republic in the first leg of the second round at Tallaght Stadium next Thursday.

A positive Rovers start saw Burke drive over the top after incisive play on the left from skipper Ronan Finn eight minutes in. Three minutes later, Josef Jósefsson’s long throw was poorly cleared to 17-year-old Alex Hauksson whose shot took a slight deflection to bring a superb reaction save from Chencinski, turning Hilmar Halldorsson’s follow-up out for a corner.