Shamrock Rovers fight back to earn point in Sligo
Shamrock Rovers fought back from 2-0 down to earn a share of the spoils in a thriller with Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds on Saturday night.
A classy brace from Ireland under-21 international Jad Hakiki had Sligo two goals to the good by the 24th minute but goals from Dan Cleary and then Josh Honohan earned Rovers a point in a game where Sligo goalkeeper Sam Sargeant was excellent.
League leaders Shamrock Rovers came to the northwest looking to extend their eight-point advantage over second-placed Derry City.
Stephen Bradley's side lost 2-1 to Sligo when they met at The Showgrounds at the start of March before they reversed that result with a 2-0 win at Tallaght Stadium at the beginning of May.
Sligo, with four new faces in their matchday squad, were looking for a third win in five games since the midseason break.
Shamrock Rovers immediately had a stranglehold on possession and Matthew Healy and Graham Burke were close with early efforts.
It was Sligo that drew first blood, however. A move sparked by a huge tackle from Patrick McClean, back at Sligo for a second spell, led to a corner that was taken short to Jake Doyle-Hayes. The midfielder's floated cross was headed home at the near post by Hakiki to give Sligo a ninth-minute lead.
Sligo almost went 2-0 up when Wilson Waweru, having been given the ball by Ryan O'Kane, saw his effort denied by ex-Sligo goalkeeper Ed McGinty.
Sligo Rovers' Jad Hakiki celebrates scoring his second goal with Owen Elding. Photograph: Evan Logan/Inpho
It was 2-0 with 24 minutes on the clock when Hakiki netted with a confident and composed finish after running on to Owen Elding's pass.
The visitors looked for an immediate response and Burke's goalbound effort was denied by Sargeant's superb save.
They halved the deficit in the 33rd minute when Graham Burke's free-kick effort was blocked but they recycled possession and Danny Mandroiu's ball to the back post was headed in by Cleary.
Sligo were pegged back for the remainder of the first half, as Mandroiu pulled the strings for the visitors, but it stayed 2-1.
The pattern continued in the second half, with Shamrock Rovers again dictating the play.
Healy's low shot demanded a careful save from Sargeant, who then twice kept his side in front with outstanding stops from goalbound efforts by Mandroiu and Danny Grant.
Sergeant was keeping the visitors at bay – he made another save to stop Rory Gaffney – but they levelled almost immediately following that stop when Honohan got his head to a Dylan Watts ball.
Both sides had further sights of goal, the closest was an opportunity for Sligo substitute Francely Lomboto, who guided an attempted lob too high with three minutes of normal time to go.
SLIGO ROVERS:
Sergeant; Reynolds, Denham, McClean, Fitzgerald; McManus (Quirk, 60), Doyle-Hayes; Elding (Kavanagh, 85), Hakiki, O'Kane (McDonagh, 90+1); Waweru (Lomboto, 60)
SHAMROCK ROVERS:
McGinty; Grant, Grace, Lopes, Cleary, Honohan (Kovalevskis, 75); Healy, Watts (Byrne 64), Mandroiu (McEneff, 87); Burke (Noonan, 64), Gaffney (McGovern, 75).
Referee:
Paul McLaughlin.
Attendance:
3,359.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Extra.ie
40 minutes ago
- Extra.ie
Taoiseach: My flight was NOT switched for the Cork match
The Government has insisted that conflict in the Middle East – and not the All-Ireland hurling semi-final – resulted in the Taoiseach changing his flight from Japan at a week's notice. Micheál Martin and members of his team were meant to fly home from Osaka last Friday via Dubai and were scheduled to land just after midday on Saturday. But has learned the flights were changed days before the trip, with Mr Martin instead flying home via Toronto. He landed at 8.15 am and later travelled to Croke Park for the Cork v Dublin game. Last night, there were calls for the Taoiseach to publish the security advice he received and publish the cost of the changes immediately. Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Pic: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos Mr Martin, an avid supporter of Cork GAA, watched his county beat Dublin 7-26 to 2-21. By 7 pm, he had posted an image of himself at the match with the caption: 'Magnificent win for Cork in a contest full of attacking intent and spectacular skill. Hurling of the highest level to secure an All-Ireland final ahead of a valiant Dublin side.' Sources close to Mr Martin insisted that being on time for the match did not play a role in the change to his travel plans. A spokesman in the Department of the Taoiseach said it was to 'mitigate against any risk of flight cancellations given the security situation' in the Middle East, with airstrikes launched on Qatar a week before his trip to Japan. The spokesman said the final costs of the flights are still being calibrated, with Opposition TDs calling on the Taoiseach to publish the figures and any advice leading to his flight change. Labour's Ged Nash said: 'The Office of the Taoiseach would be well advised to clear this up without delay. Nobody should have any difficulty with our head of Government and ministers travelling to represent our country. Labour TD Ged Nash. Pic: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos 'That's a given… [but] when there are last-minute changes to schedules, there ought to be a straightforward explanation forthcoming… especially in cases where there may be additional, unexpected expenditure involved.' Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín noted the Middle East has been a risk for 'quite some time' and questioned why the original flights were booked in the first place. He said: 'We have had this before. Politicians have changed flights for their entourage in the past for frivolous reasons. 'If flights are changed for the Taoiseach and his officials for security reasons, that's logical. However, if any decision was influenced by non-security issues, like a GAA match, that's outrageous. We could be talking about tens of thousands of taxpayers' money here. I believe the Taoiseach should publish the security advice he received and publish the cost of the changes immediately.' Peter Burke TD. Pic: Conor Ó Mearáin / Collins Photo Agency The Taoiseach began his four-day visit to Japan this day last week, aiming to promote bilateral relationships. He travelled to Tokyo, Osaka and Hiroshima. Enterprise Minister Peter Burke had visited Japan just a week prior, as the Government eyes new trading partners. It is understood that Mr Martin was accompanied by a team of approximately six delegates, including his chief of staff, Deirdre Gillane, two special advisers, a private secretary, and two guards. The trip, which had been on the horizon for several months, took place from Tuesday, July 1, to Friday, July 4. On June 10, journalists covering the trip were given the Taoiseach's itinerary. The note stated that Mr Martin would fly home from Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka via Dubai, with his first flight scheduled to depart at 11:45 p.m. Toronto Pearson Airport. Pic: Getty Images The press were sent a list of bullet trains to book for travel through Japan, including the train to take them to the Osaka airport in time for Mr Martin's flight home. However, while in Japan, they learned Mr Martin's travel arrangements had changed, meaning he would be arriving in Ireland earlier than planned, with no explanation given at the time. One source on the trip noted that flying from Osaka to Toronto and on to Dublin takes longer in terms of travel time. Passengers cross the international date line while over the Atlantic, which meant the Taoiseach left Osaka at 6.37 pm Japanese time on July 4 and arrived at 5.42 pm on the same date in Canada. The delegation departed for Dublin at 10.21 pm. 'The original booking [via Dubai] was scheduled to land at 12.15 pm on Saturday [July 5]. The revised booking [via Toronto] was scheduled to land at 8.15 am,' a Government spokesman said. A spokesman in the Department of the Taoiseach confirmed to the Mail that Mr Martin's return flights, and those of his delegation, were changed a week before he travelled to Japan. Asked if ensuring the Taoiseach would be back in Dublin in time for the match played any role in the changing of the flights, the spokesman said the change was 'to mitigate against any risk of flight cancellations given the security situation, which had resulted in extensive Middle East airspace being closed in the days prior'. Numerous countries closed their airspaces after Iran launched an airstrike on a US naval base in Qatar on June 23 – a week before the Taoiseach visited Japan. Airports Dubai, which is almost 700km from Qatar, briefly suspended flights in the 24 hours after the attack. According to a Government spokesman, the cost of changing flights for Mr Martin and his staff 'has not yet been reconciled'. Flights from Osaka to Toronto Pearson this coming Friday, July 11, begin at €1,047 for an economy seat and extend to €4,974 for business class. To fly from Toronto Pearson to Dublin on the same night would cost €271 in economy and €3,800 in business class. This means that booking new flights for the Taoiseach and his staff could cost anywhere between €9,226, if the entire team flew economy, and €61,418 if everyone flew business class. Sources pointed out that while it is common for Government leaders to fly business class on official trips, many delegates going with them will travel in economy.
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Jack O'Connor claims Kerry's gruelling club calendar is taking a toll on his injury-hit squad
JACK O'CONNOR reckons the hectic schedule of club fixtures in Kerry has taken a huge toll on his injury-hit squad. The view was expressed by the Advertisement 2 Kerry manager Jack O'Connor reckons the hectic schedule of club fixtures in Kerry has taken a huge toll on his injury-hit squad 2 Tom O'Sullivan and Diarmuid O'Connor will not feature for Kerry in this weekend's All-ireland semi-final against Tyrone A somewhat unique structure is in place in Due to burnout fears, some members of the Kerry senior set-up sat out the district competition last season. It was suggested recently by skipper Gavin White that the demands of football's new rules may also be contributing to the increase in injuries. That point was put to the Kerry gaffer yesterday in Tralee, where he addressed the media ahead of Saturday's bid to become the first team to advance to this year's All-Ireland decider. Advertisement read more on gaa O'Connor said: 'Yeah, there probably is a bit more high-speed running, particularly in the middle eight. 'The game before these new rules was a slower game. There were periods where teams could almost rest with the ball, if you know what I mean — it's kind of a soccer phrase. 'But now the ball is moving and there are very little delays. You could foul tactically before as well to slow down the play. 'Now there's no such thing as a tactical foul because you can move the ball on or whatever. Advertisement Most read in GAA Football 'But I think there are other factors. It's well documented that Kerry players aren't getting enough of an off-season. 'We have three championships down here. Watch RTE pundits' contrasting reaction to full-time whistle of Tipperary's epic win over Kilkenny 'Players are playing into November and you're starting pre-season training. It's very tricky. I don't think players are getting enough of an off-season. 'You might get away with that for a few months but then it comes back to bite you because if you haven't enough of an off-season, you haven't enough of a pre-season. Advertisement 'Somewhere along the line, something is going to have to take a hit there. 'But that's for another day. That's a bigger argument and it's not for me to solve.' Kerry have been plagued by injuries this year, with Paul Geaney, Mike Breen, Tadhg Morley, Tony Brosnan and Diarmuid O'Connor playing no part in the dethroning of Armagh last time out. Tom O'Sullivan is unavailable for the meeting with Tyrone after the defender was forced off with a calf injury in the first half of the victory over the Sam Maguire holders. Advertisement O'Connor remains sidelined after aggravating a shoulder issue in the preliminary quarter-final win over Cavan. Fellow midfielder Barry Dan O'Sullivan has been missing since suffering a season-ending ACL knee injury in the group-stage victory against Cork. Apart from that trio, Kerry chief O'Connor refused to rule any of his injury-affected players in or out of the meeting with the Red Hands. Speaking yesterday, he added: 'Their level of readiness, I'm not too sure. We have two sessions left, this evening and Wednesday, and we'll make a decision on them then. Advertisement 'They're all losses. Tony Brosnan is back training, that's all I'll say, and any fella back training has a chance. Mike Breen and Tadhg Morley are back doing some training.' KINGDOM FITNESS O'Connor also confirmed that Paudie Clifford experienced 'no ill-effects' after having a big impact following his half-time introduction against As for Geaney, who was an unused sub against the Orchard, the boss added: 'He's training away but has he gone at it 100 per cent? Probably not yet, but he's close. 'We have had a bad run with injuries. Advertisement 'It was only afterwards that I was thinking about it, but we were down anything up to seven starters the last day. 'I don't think any team in the country could ship that kind of attrition and try and survive. 'We would be in a stronger position if we had a clean bill of health but we have to deal with what we have to deal with. 'It has been a very tricky season. Advertisement 'Not alone have we had to deal with a lot of injuries, but we have had to deal with trying to get players back from the clubs and incorporate them into the system.'
Irish Times
an hour ago
- Irish Times
Conor McManus: Football is now transformed and Croke Park matches will be even better
Like many people, I was a little sceptical about how the Football Review Committee (FRC) amendments would play out when under the spotlight of championship football. Had we overdone this change? Would managers, coaches and tacticians find a way to get around the best intentions of Jim Gavin and his committee? I was dubious about the two-pointer but it's added a lot to the excitement of the game and hasn't had the effect of turning games into trimmings, as was feared. My view is still that we should stop allowing two points from frees that are brought back outside the arc because with so many footballers able to kick 45s, it's too easy. Fine if someone is fouling outside the 40 metres to prevent a two-pointer but, for frees within the arc, one point should be enough. Assessing the football from the early stages of the provincial championships up to next week's All-Ireland semi-finals, I'm looking at an unrecognisable game. Football has been utterly transformed in how it is played and how teams are approaching it. READ MORE The game is now a brilliant watch. Most weekends, this column has been focused on how good the games have been. Now that the fixtures have moved to Croke Park, the standard has gone up another notch. We have the best teams playing in the best venue. Only the weekend before last, we had four quarter-finals, and all – well, certainly three – were really absorbing in their own way. The FRC deserves huge credit for this. It's not perfect and there have been tweaks as the year has gone on but even that has been a breath of fresh air. Bringing rules in and making changes and then dropping them again – if that's what the evidence supports – has really helped to keep the game on the right path. Imagine if the FRC had needed to go back to congress with motions for every idea they wanted to try out and remove. The process would have been endless. Instead, good ideas stick and even if it has been at times disruptive, players and referees have just got on with it. When special congress meets in October to debate final acceptance, the picture will definitely be a whole lot brighter than it was. It was part of the FRC mission to make football the most enjoyable amateur game to watch and also to play. That's another box ticked. As a retired county player with a bad hip, I can confirm that the three-up rule is a godsend. There were years playing in the full forwards when you had a corner back running up the field in the opposite direction and you trying to tag him. That day is done. If he wants to go, good luck to him. I'll stand at the halfway line and watch, waiting for him to come back. [ Tweaks by FRC to rules are minimalist, but likely to have a major impact Opens in new window ] Football has simply become a more enjoyable game. It is also a different game. Kick-outs now are going long, and we saw last week in the first quarter-final how Monaghan completely obliterated Donegal's restarts in the first half and vice versa in the second half. If you're not winning your own kick-out, chances are that you're out of shape. For instance, everybody could be spread out trying to get into a position where they can create space for a catch for either themselves or somebody else. In doing that, the defence is left wide open, and if you don't win possession, the penalties are very, very severe, as we saw in both the Donegal-Monaghan quarter-final and Kerry-Armagh the next day. You can really go after a team on their kick-out now, and as an inside forward you're now standing on the edge of the D with ball flying out over your head. You're thinking: 'I'm on here when it comes back so time to get myself into position.' Monaghan's Ryan Wylie and Ryan McHugh of Donegal in their quarter-final game at Croke Park on June 28th. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho In the past, as an inside forward, you were reacting to short kick-outs and having to track the man on the ball and run up the field after him. Within 10 seconds, you're in your own full back line and the shape and the structure of the team is completely distorted. It's a big change and I would say clubs are maybe still only getting used to it at this stage, particularly those who haven't had access to their county players until the past couple of weeks. [ FRC propose adjustment to 50m penalty for foul on player catching kick-out mark Opens in new window ] There are now more one-on-one contests. Look at Jordan Morris against Galway in their quarter-final. When did we last see a corner forward get in that sort of space and have that sort of freedom to play? Or get those opportunities to win the ball in front of the defender and take him on? The change has also encouraged some really good individual defensive performances recently: Jack Coyne in a few matches for Mayo; Davy Byrne for Dublin against Tyrone; Seán Rafferty for Meath. Ryan Wylie has been exceptional defensively for Monaghan all year and he's a footballer who has been playing in defensive systems and structures for a long time. It would have been very easy for him to say, 'Oh, this doesn't suit me,' but he's had one of his best years. We are also seeing the difference that Croke Park makes. There is no such thing as a bad bounce. The game is that wee bit crisper and sharper. Warm air and new balls – there are always new footballs for matches there – come into play as well, so the playing conditions are perfect for the best players to thrive. We caught a glimpse of that with Kerry kicking two-pointers against Armagh. They hadn't been that bothered with them until then but with everything facilitating quality kickers, they picked them off all afternoon. You know exactly where the ball is going to go. The big dilemma for players with a hard surface such as Croke Park is usually what studs to wear. Again, as a general rule, backs tend to prefer studs because they can't afford to slip whereas forwards choose firm-ground boots. When it's wet, though, there are problems. I saw Graham O'Sullivan slip twice in the first half of Kerry-Armagh and I was wondering did he change at half-time. Tom Lahiff came on for Dublin and the ball was played towards him. It was a fairly vital ball at the time, but there was no pressure on him and he was going to win it. Next thing he slipped and ends up touching the ball on the ground: a significant momentum swing from small details. But small details are likely to make a big difference over the final two weeks of the season.
