League Report: Sligo Rovers 1 - 2 Shamrock Rovers

Sligo Rovers wait for a league win goes on following a 2-1 defeat to Shamrock Rovers on Tuesday night.

Sean O'Connor and Michael Drennan scored on either side of a Danny Ledwith free-kick as Shamrock Rovers maintained their unbeaten start to the season.

A poor back-pass lead to the first goal when Alan Keane’s ball to Ryan Coulter was picked up by Keith Fahey. His initial cross was blocked by Coulter, but Fahey had a second opportunity to pass to Sean O'Connor who finished from close-range.

Sligo responded with two efforts in quick succession for Sander Puri and then Raffaele Cretaro but Craig Hyland was able to block both shots.

There were big shouts for a penalty in the 12th minute when Cretaro appeared to be upended in the box but referee Tomas Connolly waved play on.

The home side were awarded a free-kick five minutes later when Patrick Cregg fouled Eoin Wearen. They deservedly equalised from that chance when Daniel Ledwith placed the ball into the top right corner.

Defender David Webster tried his luck with an audacious effort from 30 yards, but his strike was always sailing wide of the target.

Steven Beattie came agonisingly close to make it 2-1 when his in swinging ball almost caught out Hyland who just done enough to claw it off the line.

Shamrock Rovers restored their lead in the 50th minute. Fahey again the provider when he drilled a low cross into the box for Michael Drennan to finish from point-blank range.

It could very easily have been 3-1 moments later when Stephen McPhail was on the end of a brilliant move, but could only find the side netting.

Sander Puri had an attempt almost identical to that of Beattie in the first-half when he spotted Hyland off his line and his looping effort from the left-flank had to be tipped over by the back pedalling goalkeeper.

Sligo came close again, this time Keane crossed from the right to find Eoin Wearen whose super header was just met by the fingertips of Hyland which proved to be last meaningful chance of the game.

Sligo Rovers: Ryan Coulter; Alan Keane, Gavin Peers, Stephen Folan, Daniel Ledwith; David Cawley, Eoin Wearen,  Raffaele Cretaro, Steven Beattie, Sander Puri (Kevin Devaney 74); Morten Nielsen (Dinny Corcoran 74).
Subs not used: Ciaran Kelly (gk), Gary Boylan, Jake Dykes, Ryan McManus, Keith Ward.

Booked: Keane (23), Cretaro (38)

Shamrock Rovers: Craig Hyland; Simon Madden, Conor Kenna, Dave Webster, David O'Connor; Patrick Cregg (Ryan Brennan 62), Keith Fahey, Stephen McPhail, Gavin Brennan (Kieran 'Marty' Waters 80), Sean O'Connor; Michael Drennan (Gareth McCaffrey 87).
Subs not used: Barry Murphy (gk), Maxime Blanchard, Gary McCabe, Brandon Miele.

Booked: Drennan (3), Cregg (16), Madden (43).

Referee: Tomas Connolly

Attendance: 2,230

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Craig Hyland (Shamrock Rovers)