Sport

Rovers move up a gear and open gap at top of the table

Having avoided defeat during a spell in which they haven't played well, Shamrock Rovers regained their early season form to forge…

By PAUL BUTTNER
Mon Nov 26 2001 - 00:00

Having avoided defeat during a spell in which they haven't played well, Shamrock Rovers regained their early season form to forge ahead at the top of the table with this emphatic defeat of UCD at Belfield.

A goal after just 90 seconds and a second 14 minutes later was the confidence boost Damien Richardson's side needed as they duly opened up a six-point lead at the top.

It all fell into place inside two minutes with a spectacular lead goal from former UCD player Jason Colwell. Tony Grant's disappointing low cross was only partially cleared and Colwell hit the loose ball perfectly first time with his right foot and it flew into the top right-hand corner of Barry Ryan's net.

There was little mercy shown to further sloppy defending on 16 minutes. College left-back Darragh Ryan was harried out of possession by Sean Francis. Derek Tracey picked up the loose ball and picked out Tony Grant inside the area. Grant skilfully spun around Clive Delaney, doing well to stay on his feet, took the ball wide and shot to the net with the help of a deflection off UCD captain Tony McDonnell.

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Again bad defending was clinically punished once more as Rovers all but sealed their win a minute before half-time with a third goal.

McDonnell stood indicted this time as he carelessly played the ball straight to Billy Woods on the left. Woods then had the pace and patience to do everything right, setting up Francis who drilled the ball low past Ryan.

UCD chased the game hard throughout the second-half but Rovers defended well. So much so that UCD forced Tony O'Dowd into just one save, from Alan McNally on 71 minutes.

A Terry Palmer own goal 13 minutes from time did give UCD hope. Palmer turned the loose ball past O'Dowd who had raced off his line after John Martin and Woods clashed for possession.

"Our attitude was first class," said a pleased Richardson. "We were good from the word go. We defended sensibly and took our chances when they came along. We have good individuals but we've shown again that we can play as a team as well and that was a pleasing feature of this win."

UCD: B. Ryan; Keating, Delaney, McDonnell, D. Ryan (Finn 82); J. Martin, Doolin, McNally, O'Donnell; Martyn (Grogan 60 mins), R. Martin.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: O'Dowd; Costello, Scully, Palmer, Byrne; Deans, Tracey, Colwell, Woods; A. Grant, Francis (S. Grant 77).

Referee: A Buttimer (Cork).