0 v 1 
Shamrock Rovers| Regan Donelon 23' | ||
0-1 | 45' Rory Gaffney |
Video
Details
| Date | Time | League | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 July 2022 | 8:00 pm | LOI Men's Premier Division | 2022 |
Match Report
Gaffney screamer ensures win for Shamrock Rovers
A 25-yard screamer from Rory Gaffney on the cusp of half-time sealed a 1-0 victory for Shamrock Rovers over Finn Harps in the League of Ireland Premier Division this evening.
It was a quiet start to the affair with Finn Harps more than happy to sit back and let Shamrock Rovers dominate possession. The hosts struggled to retain possession when clearing their lines with lone striker Eric McWoods finding himself constantly isolated against Shamrock Rovers’ back three.
The first big chance of the game came midway through the second half when a Rob Slevin slipped, allowing Dylan Watts to race through on goal. Thankfully for Finn Harps, Ryan Mulreany was equal to Watts’ effort and the game remained scoreless.
The league leaders felt hard done by when Gaffney went down under the challenge of Mulreany on the edge of the box with the Ballybofey outfit’s goalkeeper seeming to go straight through the back of the Rovers’ man. The referee waved play on and Finn Harps survived.
Barry McNamee had his side’s best chance of the half just after the 35th minute when a bouncing ball fell nicely into his path. The Finn Harps’ skipper’s strike was saved well by Alan Mannus.
On the cusp of half-time, it was a moment of individual brilliance from Rory Gaffney that broke the deadlock.
Gaffney picked the ball up from the guts of 25 yards out and unleashed a rocket off his left foot into the bottom corner to open the scoring.
Ryan Mulreany was called into action instantly after the restart when Dylan Watts’ deflected effort from distance looked destined for the back of the net, but Mulreany saved well.
Shamrock Rovers continued to dominate, and Richie Towell almost made an instant impact just seconds after arriving on the pitch.
Sean Gannon’s inch perfect ball found Rory Gaffney out wide. Gaffney’s cross fell to Richie Towell at the back post, but the midfielder couldn’t keep his effort on target.
Harps did try and push for an equaliser, but they were met with a resilient Shamrock Rovers back five and Rovers will travel home with all three points.
Timeline
| 3. Regan Donelon | 23' | |
| 45' | 20. Rory Gaffney | |
| Eric McWoods Luke Rudden |
66' | |
| 73' | Chris McCann Richie Towell |
|
| 85' | Sean Gannon Sean Hoare |
|
| Jose Carrillo Yoyo Mahdy |
88' | |
| Barry McNamee Mark Timlin |
88' |
Past Meetings
Ground
| Finn Park |
|---|
| Finn Park, Navenny Street, Stranorlar Electoral Division, Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District, County Donegal, F93 Y27K, Ireland |
Luke Delaney
Luke is a final year Journalism student in DCU. He is a Sports Reporter for Wicklow People Sport and FinalWhistle.ie.
Full time and Shamrock Rovers will travel home with all three points
Emakhu with a big chance to seal the win but Mulreany saves well.
Four minutes of stoppage time to be played.
Approaching injury time here and Rovers still looking comfortable.
Regan Donelan is replaced by Dylan Duncan.
Great ball from Sean Gannon finds the striker out wide. Gaffney picks out Richie Towell at the back post but the substitute can't keep his effort on target.
Richie Towell replaces Chris McCann.
Eric McWoods down injured here and will be replaced by Luke Rudden.
Finn Harps starting to see more of the ball here.
Great save from Mulreany to deny Watts from distance.
Back underway here.
Half time and Gaffney's goal is the last action of the half.
Moment of brilliance from Rory Gaffney who scores a screamer into the bottom corner from 30 yards.
Barry McNamee with Finn Harps first shot of the game. The ball bounced kindly for the Harps' skipper around 20 yards out, but Alan Mannus was equal to it.
Watts' effort goes straight into the wall.
Free kick in a dangerous area after Slevin fouls Sean Kavanagh. right on edge of the box and huge opportunity for The Hoops.
Rob Slevin slips and Dylan Watts picks up the ball and finds himself one on one with Mulreany. Watts can't find the finish as the Harps' shot stopper saves and the game remains scoreless.
Sean Kavanagh with a dangerous low cross which is spilled by Gavin Mulreany. Thankfully for the hosts, he gathers at his second attempt just as Rory Gaffney closed in.
Finn Harps struggling to retain possession and are sitting very deep. Still all Shamrock Rovers.
Rovers dominating possession here early on.
We're off at Finn Park and the weather has picked up with the rain finally easing off.
Just under 15 minutes to go until kick off.
Hello and welcome to finalwhistle.ie for tonight's Premier Division clash in Ballybofey. Finn Harps host league leaders Shamrock Rovers, team news to follow shortly.