Bizarre own goal secures valuable points for Shamrock Rovers in Galway

Shamrock Rovers’ Johnny Kenny celebrates his sides second goal. Picture: ©INPHO/James Crombie

SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Galway United 1 Shamrock Rovers 2 

The narrative around the league may have focused on Dundalk’s difficulties but the clash between Galway United and Shamrock Rovers also bore weighty significance. Rovers' three points may be fondly remembered in Tallaght come season’s end.

Remarkably, the sides were only separated at the kick-off by goal difference. Nevertheless, there appeared to be a gulf in quality in the early exchanges.

Shamrock Rovers controlled the ball early and created a plethora of chances. Patrick Hickey tickled the gloves of Leon Pohls early but that was a rare event.

The action was focused at the Dyke Road end. Dan Cleary grazed the bar after a looping Josh Honohan cross. United were eventually undone by a cross from Jack Byrne which bounced to the feet of Marc McNulty. The striker punished the indecision and finished with aplomb.

The visitors' dominance presented some big opportunities to double the advantage thereafter. Both McNulty and Roberto Lopes had snapshots from inside the box that missed the target.

Disaster for Garry Buckley. Shamrock Rovers lead late on.#LOITV | #GALSHA pic.twitter.com/RavPO4GrZE

— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) September 16, 2024

Later in the half, McNulty, Roberto Lopes and Josh Honohan all had clear chances in the United box. None hit the target.

These misses were further emphasised when United got on terms against the run of play. After a rare foray forward, Ed McCarthy stole down the right and cut the ball back. His cross crashed off Cleary’s arm and Neil Doyle used his to point to the spot. Conor McCormack converted.

Cleary was in the middle of everything. Rovers might have argued about how close his hand was to the ball at the penalty. United argued that he should have been sent off when he took the legs of a galloping McCarthy. Neil Doyle showed yellow but failed to do so again when Cleary clashed with Greg Cunningham in the melee after, opting to book Conor McCormack instead.

The fracas finished the half, and the excitement died down also as the second half became more attritional. Seeking to enliven things, Rovers introduced Johnny Kenny and Danny Mandroiu midway through the half.

Kenny had an indirect hand in the calamitous winning goal when it came. He was played in behind and caused Garry Buckley to panic to the extent that he scooped the ball over his onrushing ‘keeper and into an empty net for a bizarre second.

There were chances for Hickey and Bobby Burns late on that Leon Pohls proved equal to, the Polish ‘keeper ensuring a vital win for a side that looked like they would stroll home in the first.

Galway United: Clarke; Esua (Horgan 12, Burns 89), Buckley, Brouder, Cunningham; Keohane, Borden (Hurley 72), McCormack (O’ Keeffe 72), Hickey, McCarthy (Slevin 89); Walsh 

Shamrock Rovers: Pohls; Farrugia, Cleary, Lopes, Hoare (Clarke 75), Honohan (Grace 80); Towell (Kenny 65), O’ Neill (Burns 80), Watts; Byrne, McNulty (Mandroiu 65) 

Referee: N Doyle