League Report: Shamrock Rovers 2 - 1 Bohemians

Shamrock Rovers kicked their season into gear on Friday night, winning the opening Dublin Derby of the season 2-1 against rivals Bohemians thanks to second-half goals from Brandon Miele and Michael O’Connor.

Bohemians successfully managed to follow their Managers instructions to keep the scoreline lower than last week’s opening weekend 4-1 defeat at home to Derry City. Rovers, meanwhile knew their title-chase would not have been given a platform with just one point from a possible six from the opening set of weekends games as the game remained 0-0 approaching the hour mark.

Brandon Miele took the game, balanced but always tipping in Rovers’ favour, by the scruff, scoring a clever opener after he jinked past Bohemians captain Derek Pender inside the area before beating Shane Supple on his weaker left foot.

Ryan Connolly made the second when his run to the byline was cut back where substitute Michael O’Connor lay waiting to sweep a fine chance off the underside of the crossbar to seal the three points with just over 15 minutes remaining.

This fixture was Stephen Bradley’s first as head-coach of Rovers following the departure of Pat Fenlon in July 2016.

That game brought with it the dawning of a new era at Tallaght, as the teenagers ran riot on the Gypsies, with then 17-year-old Sean Boyd’s goal to make it 3-1 a microcosm of the type of glowing, vibrant football Bradley intended to implement.

This time around however, the game was plagued by a pretence of not ever really getting started for the opening hour.

It took half an hour for the first derby sparks to fly, as tackles flying in left right and centre in midfield left bodies of red, black, green and white littered across the muddy surface of Tallaght Stadium as the night’s rain turned torrential.

Chances were few and far between in the opening half. Bohemians manager Keith Long urged Dinny Corcoran to take command up front in the absence of star striker Ismahil Akinade. But it was his opposite number Trevor Clarke however, who almost gave Rovers the lead — twice.

The first came thanks to a neat lay-off from Darren Meenan. Clarke took a touch to regain composure under the pressure of Derek Pender leaning in before dragging a sweet low strike across goal, which barely missed his intended target of the bottom right corner.

His second came at the cusp of the break when a loose clearance fell his way from seven yards out. Clarke scuffed at the chance and settled to see the ball trickled wide of the post in full view of a statuesque Shane Supple between the sticks.

Rovers knew the value of a win if their title chase was to become a reality this season. They grabbed the game with both barrels in the second period.

Sean Boyd caused havoc inside the Bohemians penalty area when he skipped inside to cross at the back post for Darren Meenan. The former Dundalk midfielder’s shot was cleared off the line bravely by Bohemians captain Derek Pender before Trevor Clarke’s rebound was similarly blocked and put out for a corner.

Rovers upped the ante and were rewarded for their attacking adventure when a routine cross into the box was missed before falling to an unmarked Brandon Miele. With just Derek Pender in his way, the number ten jigged past the defender before slamming the ball beyond Shane Supple with his weaker left foot to steal a deserved lead.

Bohemians responded and almost drew proceedings level when a corner from Lorcan Fitzgerald was crashed against the middle of the post from midfielder Ian Morris. But this was Rovers’ game to lose and a second goal with just over fifteen minutes left meant the result was in no doubt.

Former Galway United captain Ryan Connolly made it to the end-line following a fast-paced break. He rounded goalkeeper Supple and, with an angle not offering itself to score, he cut a quick cross back where second-half substitute Michael O’Connor lied in wait to swept a fine finish off the underside of the crossbar and into the back of the net to make it 2-0.

Rovers almost had a third when O’Connor’s neat back-heel, following more trickery from captain Ronan Finn, was cleared off the line by the guard of Fitzgerald.

Rovers added insult to injury, bringing on former Bohemians stalwart Roberto Lopes just past the hour mark. The 24-year-old spent six seasons at Dalymount Park, with the Tallaght supporters gleefully cheering his introduction in the merry glow of an imminent victory.

Bohemians did not give up, however. Keith Long’s side were given a lifeline when Rovers defender Daniel Devine conceded a penalty after 90 minutes following a tussle with George Poynton inside the area. Poynton stood the test and side-footed his penalty into the back of the net, sending goalkeeper Tomas Chencinski the wrong way to make it 2-1 with minutes remaining.

There was a late call for handball from a corner kick moments later, however referee Harvey waved play-on and Rovers ground the game out to a 2-1 win.

Shamrock Rovers: Tomer Chencinski; Simon Madden, Daniel Devine, David McAllister, David Webster; Ryan Connolly (Roberto Lopes 76), Ronan Finn, Darren Meenan, Brandon Miele (James Doona 68); Trevor Clarke, Sean Boyd (Michael O’Connor 66).

Subs not used: Kevin Horgan (gk), Sean Heaney, Paul Corry, Gary Shaw.

Yellow cards: Webster (59), Clarke (75), Devine (90), Doona (90+2).

Bohemians: Shane Supple; Derek Pender, Rob Cornwall, Dan Byrne (Stephen Best 46), Lorcan Fitzgerald; Ian Morris, Philly Gannon, Patrick Kavanagh; George Poynton; Jamie Doyle  (Kaleem Simon 84), Dinny Corcoran (Dean Casey 46).

Subs not used: Greg Murray (gk), Oscar Brennan, Eoin Morgan, Keith Ward.

Yellow Cards: Doyle (36)

Referee: Robert Harvey

Attendance: 5,220

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Trevor Clarke (Shamrock Rovers)