Shamrock Rovers 3 Monaghan Utd 2
Shamrock Rovers reduced Shelbourne’s lead at the top of the eircom League Premier Division to two points tonight after a hard fought victory over bottom-of-the-table Monaghan United at Tolka Park.
Monaghan took the game to Rovers and almost broke the deadlock on 10 minutes only for Rovers ‘keeper Tony O’Dowd to save Darren McKenna’s effort.
Rovers then found their feet and pushed forward in numbers. Billy Woods and Jason Colwell provided Rovers with their best attacking options in an uneventful first half.
Rovers then opened the scoring four minutes after the restart when Sean Francis side footed home his 12th goal of the season. Tony Grant extended that lead in the 66th minute after racing clear from Francis’ flick to beat John Brown in the Monaghan goal with ease.
Monaghan, who beat league leaders Shelbourne four weeks ago, refused to through in the towel and clawed one back. Substitute Rovers ‘keeper Robbie Horgan - Tony O’Dowd was stretchered off in the second half - failed to meet Jonathan King’s corner and Shane Robinson headed into his own net.
Monaghan still had plenty left in the tank and got back on level terms with a Robbie Brunton free kick 14 minutes from time.
Rovers, however, kept their championship ambitions in tact as Grant latched onto Stephen Grant’s cross to fire home the winner with four minutes to play.