League of Ireland review:Gary Twigg struck on either side of halftime to get Shamrock Rovers' defence of the Airtricity League Premier Division title off to a winning start against Drogheda United at Hunky Dorys Park tonight.
Stephen Kenny’s first competitive game didn’t quite go to plan as the Tallaght side fell behind to Dean Marshall's free-kick, which found its way into the net after being missed by both defence and attack in the 34th minute.
Rovers had dominated possession until then but had nothing to show for it until Twigg latched on to Stephen Rice’s deflected throughball and rounded Drogheda goalkeeper Gabriel Sava to equalise a minute before the break.
The Scot struck again seven minutes after the restart when Craig Sives’s backpost header created confusion and the marksman poked home from close range.
Derry City were 1-0 winners over Bohemians at the Brandywell, thanks to a 49th minute header from Stephen McLaughlin.
St. Patrick's Athletic were winners by the same score over Bray Wanderers at Richmond Park, after Dean Kelly’s 15th minute header was deemed over the line by the assistant referee, despite the efforts of Pierce Sweeney.
Mark Langtry gave UCD a valuable win over newcomers Cork City with a 36th minute goal at the Belfield Bowl.
Jason McGuinness rescued a point for Sligo Rovers at Tolka Park when he headed home an acrobatic Gavin Peers effort in the 93rd minute.
Shelbourne took the lead three minutes before the break when Philip Hughes curled home a free-kick after a foul on Stephen Hurley.
Monaghan United and Dundalk was the only game of the opening night to remain scoreless.
Results
Drogheda United 1 Shamrock Rovers 2
Derry City 1 Bohemians 0
St. Patrick's Athletic 1 Bray Wanderers 0
UCD 1 Cork City 0
Shelbourne 1 Sligo Rovers 1
Monaghan United 0 Dundalk 0
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