- Extratime Team
- Sat, Sep 16 2023
Graham Burke’s 84th minute spot-kick has kept Shamrock Rovers has ensured that remain four points clear of title rivals Derry City at the top of the table.
Burke slotted home into the net after he was felled by Derry City defender Shane McEleney – with the former Finn Harps man dismissed following his foul.
But it could have been a different story at the Ryan McBride Brandywell if the Candystripes held on for a win.
Cameron McJannett’s thumping header on the hour mark looked as though it would breathe new life into the Premier Division title race.
Rovers, however, responded to that concession and eventually found an equaliser after threatening early on in the game.
The draw means that the Hoops remain in control of their destiny in regards to their bid to win a fourth league title in a row.
And if they do so it would be the first time they achieved the feat since the 1980s.
Derry City: Brian Maher; Ronan Boyce, Ben Doherty, Shane McEleney, Cameron McJannet; Sadou Diallo (Cameron Dummigan 71), Michael Duffy, Paul McMullan, Adam O'Reilly, William Patching; Daniel Mullen (Cian Kavanagh 71).
Subs not used: Tadhg Ryan, Mark Connolly, Ciarán Coll, Sam Todd, Brandon Kavanagh, Jordan McEneff, Jamie McGonigle.
Booked: Ronan Boyce (72), Ben Doherty (79).
Sent off: Shane McEleney (84).
Shamrock Rovers: Alan Mannus; Daniel Cleary, Lee Grace, Pico; Ronan Finn (Neil Farrugia 46), Seán Kavanagh (Trevor Clarke 46), Gary O'Neill, Markus Poom (Dylan Watts 80); Graham Burke, Rory Gaffney, Richard Towell (Liam Burt 69).
Subs not used: Léon Pöhls, Seán Hoare, Darragh Nugent, Simon Power, Aaron Greene.
Booked: Seán Kavanagh (21), Gary O'Neill (39), Daniel Cleary (86).
Referee: Paul McLaughlin.
