Shamrock Rovers 2 - 0 Waterford United
Credit:
Shamrock Rovers ran out comfortable 2-0 winners over Waterford United on Friday night as both sides finished their respective pre-season campaigns.
Gary McCabe and Gary Twigg scored either side of the break to ensure Rovers go into the new season in winning form.
The game started quietly but two chances in two minutes brought the game to life. Ken Oman’s glancing header narrowly missed the target before Paul Murphy set up Gary Dunphy at the other end but Alan Mannus produced a good save to keep the game scoreless.
Gary McCabe had a chance shortly afterwards but Blues centre-half Kevin Murray blocked the effort. Murray then blocked Gary Twigg before Karl Sheppard struck the crossbar with a header.
Rovers began to take control and almost opened the scoring on 29 minutes. McCabe found Billy Dennehy on the edge of the area but his deflected volley was superbly saved by Blues keeper Kevin Burns. The keeper was in action again two minutes later as he tipped Gary Twigg’s 30-yard strike away.
The opening goal arrived ten minutes before the break. Gary McCabe, terrific throughout, let fly from 30 yards and the ball sailed over Kevin Burns and into the back of the net to give the home side the lead.
Blues substitute Shane Dempsey tested Alan Mannus just after half time but his long range effort was tipped away. Rovers doubled their lead four minutes after half time.
Gary Twigg collected a loose ball in midfield before powering toward goal and firing past the helpless Waterford United keeper’ Kevin Burns. The away side had a strong call for a penalty after 56 minutes after Dan Murray appeared to fell Paul Murphy but referee Neil Doyle waved play on.
Rovers almost made it three but Billy Dennehy fired over the bar after Ken Oman headed on a Stephen Rice free-kick. Waterford United had more appeals for a penalty three minutes later as Dan Murray appeared to handle in the penalty area. Burns was tested again toward the end of the game as he saved a free-kick from Stephen O’Donnell. Both managers will be happy with their team's workout ahead of next week's season openers.
Shamrock Rovers : Mannus;Stevens,D.Murray,Oman,Sullivan;Dennehy,Turner,Rice,McCabe; Twigg,Sheppard.
Subs Used: Finn(HT), Kilduff (57), Kavanagh(72), O’Donnell(72), Priestly(72).
Waterford United: Burns, Chin, K.Murray, Breen, Long; Dunphy, Sinnott, Barrett, Keane; Murphy, Rafter.
Subs Used: Dempsey(HT), Kiely(HT), Quinn(HT), Wilson(62), Byrne(83), Nolan(83).
Referee: Neil Doyle.
The game started quietly but two chances in two minutes brought the game to life. Ken Oman’s glancing header narrowly missed the target before Paul Murphy set up Gary Dunphy at the other end but Alan Mannus produced a good save to keep the game scoreless.
Gary McCabe had a chance shortly afterwards but Blues centre-half Kevin Murray blocked the effort. Murray then blocked Gary Twigg before Karl Sheppard struck the crossbar with a header.
Rovers began to take control and almost opened the scoring on 29 minutes. McCabe found Billy Dennehy on the edge of the area but his deflected volley was superbly saved by Blues keeper Kevin Burns. The keeper was in action again two minutes later as he tipped Gary Twigg’s 30-yard strike away.
The opening goal arrived ten minutes before the break. Gary McCabe, terrific throughout, let fly from 30 yards and the ball sailed over Kevin Burns and into the back of the net to give the home side the lead.
Blues substitute Shane Dempsey tested Alan Mannus just after half time but his long range effort was tipped away. Rovers doubled their lead four minutes after half time.
Gary Twigg collected a loose ball in midfield before powering toward goal and firing past the helpless Waterford United keeper’ Kevin Burns. The away side had a strong call for a penalty after 56 minutes after Dan Murray appeared to fell Paul Murphy but referee Neil Doyle waved play on.
Rovers almost made it three but Billy Dennehy fired over the bar after Ken Oman headed on a Stephen Rice free-kick. Waterford United had more appeals for a penalty three minutes later as Dan Murray appeared to handle in the penalty area. Burns was tested again toward the end of the game as he saved a free-kick from Stephen O’Donnell. Both managers will be happy with their team's workout ahead of next week's season openers.
Shamrock Rovers : Mannus;Stevens,D.Murray,Oman,Sullivan;Dennehy,Turner,Rice,McCabe; Twigg,Sheppard.
Subs Used: Finn(HT), Kilduff (57), Kavanagh(72), O’Donnell(72), Priestly(72).
Waterford United: Burns, Chin, K.Murray, Breen, Long; Dunphy, Sinnott, Barrett, Keane; Murphy, Rafter.
Subs Used: Dempsey(HT), Kiely(HT), Quinn(HT), Wilson(62), Byrne(83), Nolan(83).
Referee: Neil Doyle.
About Brendan White
Brendan White is Extratime News Editor and is responsible for the news section of Extratime.ie. Brendan also covers matches in Dublin and Waterford. You can contact Brendan on twitter @whitebrendan. View Full Profile