Covid-19 issue in Shamrock Rovers camp doesn’t stop remarkable comeback win in Derry

Shamrock Rovers preparations for the game against Derry City on Friday night were disrupted due to a COVID-19 positive test within their back room team.

The Hoops confirmed on Saturday morning that a member of their backroom staff has tested positive for COVID-19 in recent days and that 'consultations with Public Health and the FAI allowed us to fulfil Friday night’s fixture in Derry subject to all protocols.'

Rovers scrambled their underage squad to travel to the Derry in case they needed replacements if their Premier Division players were deemed a close contact of the back room staff member but they were still able to start a strong team full of first team players. 

The club statement noted that: ‘No members of our first team squad and backroom staff who travelled to Derry have been deemed close contacts by Public Health and all involved in Friday night’s game have tested negative. The staff member has reported no symptoms and we wish him well with his recovery.’

When the team sheet was handed out before kick off in Derry, Sean Gannon was named in the starting lineup with captain Ronan Finn on the bench and Richie Towell not included in the match day squad.

But Finn ended up starting the game, as Gannon dropped out, and Towell came off the bench in the second half to cap a remarkable comeback 4-2 win for Rovers who were 2-0 down on 31 minutes.

Late on the Hoops handed first team debuts off the bench to two teenagers - Dylan Duffy (18) and Dean McMenamy (19). 

“Let’s just say it was a bit of a crazy day right up until kick off,” said Hoops Head Coach Stephen Bradley speaking to the Irish Mirror after the match which kept Rovers top of the table.

“We had to wait for clearance and we didn’t get it for certain players.” 

League Report: @derrycityfc 2 - 4 @ShamrockRovershttps://t.co/q9bRYNY7ggpic.twitter.com/zixhZc0LyC

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) July 17, 2021