Rovers win rubs it in

National League Premier Division: Derek Tracey scored a timely first goal of the season, in what may turn out to be his last…

National League Premier Division: Derek Tracey scored a timely first goal of the season, in what may turn out to be his last game for the club, as Shamrock Rovers inflicted further hurt on Dublin City as both sides brought their disappointing season to a close.

Rovers took the lead on nine minutes when Paul Malone's miscued shot flew straight to Shane Robinson on the opposite side of the Dublin penalty area and the winger drilled his shot past Robbie Horgan.

Dublin manager Dermot Keely immediately substituted his left-sided attacker Peter Hynes, leading to an unseemly verbal clash between the two on the touchline as the player made his way to the dressing-room.

An incisive piece of play, instigated by Gary O'Neill's telling pass, led to Dublin's equaliser 10 minutes later. Cathal O'Connor got in behind Mark O'Brien before he beat goalkeeper Noel Mooney at his near post.

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Veteran midfielder Tracey restored Rovers' lead within eight minutes of the second half for what proved the winner after flicking home Mark Rutherford's free-kick from the left.

DUBLIN CITY: Horgan; Brennan, A O'Connor, Friel, Rowland; Crossan, Tierney, Kenny; C O'Connor, O'Neill, Hynes (Courtney, 10 mins).

SHAMROCK ROVERS: N Mooney; Tracey (McArdle, 67 mins), Deans, McDonnell, Malone; Robinson (Daniel, 61 mins), O'Brien, Caffrey, Rutherford; Molloy, Grant (D Mooney, half-time).

Referee: D Tomney (Dublin).