League Report: Finn Harps 0 - 2 Shamrock Rovers

Shamrock Rovers made it four wins in five league games with two goals in the second half to try and erase the memory of a very dull first half performance from both sides. Finn Harps have now lost five consecutive games without scoring. The win keeps Rovers only a point behind Derry City with a game in hand.

Ollie Horgan was looking to stop the rot off four consecutive defeats and made three changes to side that lost 5-0 at home to Derry City in their last fixture. Ruairi Keating, Gareth Harkin and Michael Funston were named in the starting line-up with the players they replaced dropped to the bench.

Hoops boss Stephen Bradley hoped to continue his sides' impressive form of late with four wins in their last five games in all competitions. Shane Hanney was named in the starting XI in place of Dean Clarke who took a spot on the bench.

Finn Harps tested the Rovers goal within the first few seconds with Funston attempting to meet a cross into the box but Hyland caught it with ease.

Michael Funston pressurized the Rovers defence with a couple of early crosses but all to no avail.

Simon looked to have won a penalty twenty minutes in but referee Rob Rogers pointed for a corner with a melee breaking out among Madden, Ciaran Coll and Keith Cowan. Madden was subsequently booked for simulation.

The first chance of note in the first half fell to Ruairi Keating on the half hour mark. His shot was well saved by Hyland and the resulting corner lead to nothing.

The second half kicked off in similar fashion with both sides struggling to make a clear opportunity.

Sean Boyd made the most of a loose ball in the area after some good work from Madden and McCabe to put Shamrock Rovers in the lead on the 53rd minute.

Stephen Bradley made two changes with 20 minutes to go, replacing Gary Shaw with Dean Clarke and Gary McCabe with former Ireland International and Leeds United player Stephen McPhail.

Ollie Horgan responded by bringing on two attack minded players; Ryan Curran and Adam Hanlon. Bradley then made his last substitution of the match bringing on Killian Brennan for the lively Brandon Miele.

Brennan had a good first involvement with a bit of trickery earning his side a close range free-kick.

Shamrock Rovers sealed the win with 10 minutes to go. A great run out wide by Sean Boyd resulted in a low cross which was met well by substitute Dean Clarke to put the Hoops two goals clear.

Stephen Bradley admitted after the match that it was a delight to get a clean sheet as they have been scoring regularly but also conceding. He also said that the game may have looked close but he always knew what they were doing would eventually pay off.

Finn Harps: Richard Brush; Ciaran Coll, Keith Cowan, Packie Mailey, Ethan Boyle; Sean Houston, Gareth Harkin, Michael Funston (Adam Hanlon 73), Barry Molloy (Ryan Curran 73); Tony McNamee (Kevin McHugh 83) Ruairi Keating.

Subs not used: Ciaran Gallagher, Tommy McMonagle, Josh Mailey, Dave Scully.

Booked: Ethan Boyle (42)

Shamrock Rovers: Craig Hyland; Rob Cornwall, David O'Connor, Simon Madden, Trevor Clarke, Shane Hanney; Gary McCabe (Stephen McPhail 70), Pat Cregg, Brandon Miele (Killian Brennan 75); Sean Boyd, Gary Shaw (Dean Clarke 70)

Subs not used: Barry Murphy, James Doona, Jamie Aherne, Aaron Dobbs.

Booked: Simon Madden (19), Gary McCabe (38), Trevor Clarke (55)

Referee: Robert Rogers

Attendance: 703

ExtraTime.ie Man of the Match: Sean Boyd (Shamrock Rovers)