Hoops start life in new stadium with win

Shamrock Rovers 2 Sligo Rovers 1

Goasl from Gary Twigg and Dessie Baker gave Shamrock Rovers the perfect start to life at their new Tallaght Stadium.

The rain wasn’t going to ruin Shamrock’s parade and they dominated from the start to christen their new ground with its first goal on 18 minutes.

Sligo allowed Rovers to win two headers inside their box from a free-kick and Glaswegian Twigg volleyed to the net on the turn.

Baker added the second on 51 minutes after great work down the left by Ollie Cahill.

Sligo gave their hosts a nervous finish after Gavin Peers headed home Owen Morrison’s cross on 83 minutes, but Michael O’Neill’s Hoops held out for a big win to thrill the vast majority in the packed new venue.