Fenlon happy with Hoops season debut

Shamrock Rovers manager Pat Fenlon was visibly content as he spoke to extratime.ie after the Hoops had earned an opening day 1-0 victory over Dublin rivals St. Pat’s in a windswept Tallaght Stadium.

“I’m delighted with the performance,” said Fenlon. “I thought we were good even though against the breeze it was very difficult for us; I’m very happy with the three points.”

He was also impressed by his own side’s ability to close out the game and limit the Saints’ opportunities in front of goal in spite of five additional minutes being played.

“I don’t know where the five minutes added time came from but we only really gave Pat’s one chance. That was where Craig (Hyland) stepped in and made a wonderful save.”

Fenlon was vocal in his admiration of the young Rovers stopper who had to assume his position between the sticks in place of the suspended Barry Murphy whom Hyland is expected to play second fiddle to this season.

“Even though Craig didn’t have a lot to do his kicking was good and his handling was good. He put in a good performance.” Hyland’s efforts were all the more remarkable due to the driving wind which was not conducive to good football and had a big impact on the game as a whole.

“It was a horrible night for everybody conditions wise, particularly for goalkeepers.”

There was a number of players that caught Fenlon’s eye and he was thoroughly impressed with his new signings that started the game and had a big effect on its result

“They all acquitted themselves well. David Webster was very good. Max Blanchard hasn’t played in midfield but he did well in there for us tonight and obviously Danny (North) got a great goal.”

Barry Murphy was one of no less than five Rovers players who sat out tonight’s game due to suspensions for cards accrued last season, leading to the Hoops fielding a team far from full strength.  

When extratime.ie asked Pat Fenlon if he thought the league was in for a surprise when the six players all returned from their suspensions, he said “it doesn’t always work like that. Yes we are missing a lot of players, and most of them apart from Gavin Brennan come back next week which is great, but a lot of the lads did really well tonight so I’m glad they’re giving me a headache.”