- Josh Dolan
- Sun, Oct 12 2014
Shamrock Rovers B closed out their season and possibly their existence with a 3-0 win over Tommy Griffin's Waterford United at Tallaght Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Goals from Adam Whelan, Dylan Kavanagh as well as a first half own-goal from Cormac Breslin gave The Hoops their seventh win of their First Division campaign.
After a dire opening nine minutes, it was the home side who had the first effort of the game when Cian Kavanagh shot safely over Kevin Burns' cross-bar from the edge of the box.
Rovers had another chance moments later when Gavin Boyne found Adam Whelan on the right, he then crossed for Mark Sandford, but his shot went narrowly over from a couple of yards out.
Sandford had another chance to put The Hoops ahead on 17 minutes and again it was the combination of Boyne and Whelan that set it up. Boyne once again found Whelan on the right, he played a low ball across the box for the striker, whose effort was comfortably saved by Waterford shot-stopper Burns.
The Hoops continued to go in search for the opener and were unlucky not to go in front after 23 minutes when Maxime Veuille drove in from the right, before playing a pass across the six yard box, which was nearly diverted into The Blue's net, only for a timely intervention by Waterford defender John Frost.
The home side took the lead after 29 minutes when Cian Kavanagh took advantage of a tame back pass from Blues Captain Vinny Sullivan, Kavanagh then played the ball in for Sandford, who looked to have taken too much time on the ball, but as Sullivan was getting back to tackle the striker, he played the ball off full-back Cormac Breslin who deflected the ball into the net.
Hoops winger Whelan doubled Rovers lead a couple of minutes before the break when Cian Kavnagh found Evan Osam on the left. The full-back drifted the end-line before floating a cross for Whelan who headed past the outstretched Burns.
Rovers were rampant and extended the lead just a minute into the second half when midfielder Whelan found Sandford. He found winger Dylan Kavanagh who passed the ball beyond Burns to make it 3-0 to The Hoops.
The Hoops could have had a fourth six minutes into the second period when Dylan Kavanagh received the ball off central midfielder Boyne before motoring into the box and unleashing a powerful effort that went straight in to Burns' side-netting.
United had their first attempt of the half on 53 minutes. Kevin O'Connor picked up a loose ball and .drove into space however he dragged his hopeless effort well wide of Conor O'Malley's goal.
The Blues began to come back into the game and came within inches of pulling the goal just before the hour mark when Brian Nolan took advantage of a goalmouth scramble, rounding Conor O'Malley, only to see his shot rebound off the outside of the post.
Thomas Croke should have scored for United on 66 minutes when he rose highest to meet Andrew O'Connor's corner, however his effort from six yard header sailed safely over The Hoops cross-bar.
Rovers substitute Azzeez Yusseff was lively when he came on after 61 minutes and he could have rounded off the win on with six minutes to go when fellow substitute Jack Watson played him in from 20 yards, however the winger's shot was tame and easily saved by Burns.
Shamrock Rovers: Conor O’Malley; Evan Osam, Michael Kelly, Conor Dunne, Maxime Veuille; Adam Whelan (Azzez Yusseff 61), Gavin Boyne, Cian Kavanagh, Ryan Doolin (Jack Watson H/T), Dylan Kavanagh; Mark Sandford (Chris Lyons77).
Subs Not Used: Michael Kelly; Nathan Benson, Daniel Purdy, Thomas Tiernan,
Booked: Mark Sandford (76).
Sent-Off: None.
Waterford United: Kevin Burns; Cormac Breslin, Thomas Croke, John Frost, Andrew O'Connor (Samuel Ogayemi 74); Ross Fitzpatrick, Brian Nolan, Vinny Sullivan, Kevin O'Connor, Mark Walsh (Ethan Boyle 61); Willie John Kiely (Daryl Power 74).
Subs Not Used: Matthew Connor; Mikey Walsh-Rowe.
Booked: Andrew O'Connor (44).
Sent-Off: None
Referee: Ben Connolly.
Attendance: 100 (estimate).
Extratime.ie Man Of The Match: Adam Whelan (Shamrock Rovers).
