Despair for title hopefuls Rovers

Shamrock Rovers 1 Galway United 1

Aaron Greene broke Shamrock Rovers’ hearts as he silenced Tallaght Stadium with a second-half equaliser tonight.

The result all but ends Rovers’ title ambitions, but is a massive boost to Galway’s hopes of Premier Division survival.

Three points behind, with an inferior goal difference of 16, only a ridiculous sequence of results can deny arch-rivals Bohemians an 11th title next week.

From Galway’s viewpoint, if they match either of St. Patrick’s Athletic or Sligo Rovers’ results next week, they will secure Premier Division football next season.

Rovers started well, but wasted early chances before finally taking the lead a minute before half time.

Stephen Bradley crossed from the right and Gary Twigg headed home his 24th goal of the season.

Battling Galway never lied down, however, and Greene produced a moment or two of magic to level on 69 minutes.

Cutting past two defenders, the 19-year-old, ironically from nearby Clondalkin, rifled a low shot past Alan Mannus.

Galway had defender Gary Breen sent off for a harsh second yellow card for a foul on Rovers' skipper Shane Robinson on 77 minutes.

Rovers pressed for the remainder of the game and Stephen Rice shot against a post a minute into stoppage time as Galway held out.