Shamrock Rovers 3 Monaghan U 1: SO RODDY Collins wasn't playing mind games after all. In the lead up to last night's Tallaght Stadium tussle, Collins suggested that the thought of his Monaghan United team earning an away victory was simply ridiculous.
Even though the visitors were purposeful and passionate in the opening period, stunning Shamrock Rovers with an early goal, the champions responded to claim another come-from-behind success. Casual Rovers defending was punished by a clinical Willo McDonagh header in the third minute as the visitors took a shock lead.
Parity was restored in the 56th minute when Killian Brennan was crafty enough to nudge Billy Dennehy’s corner through a cluster of bodies. Rovers scored again when Dennehy rifled a blistering shot into the top corner in the 62nd minute. Monaghan’s cause was scarcely aided by the 71st minute dismissal of Reynor for a second yellow card and Rovers’ substitute Aaron Greene decorated the win with a stoppage-time third.
SHAMROCK ROVERS: Jansson; Gilbert (Turner, 69), Sives, Oman, Powell; Brennan (McCabe, 89), Rice, Finn, Dennehy; ONeill (Greene, 86), Twigg.
MONAGHAN UNITED: Bennion; Maher, McMahon, Byrne, Reynor; Isichei (Murphy, 63), McDonagh, Quinn, Keegan, Humphrey (McGuinness, 46); Griffiths (Marks, 67).
Referee: G Kelly (Cork).
