Shamrock Rovers Head Coach Stephen Bradley quickly moved on, from his side’s 0-0 draw with St. Patrick’s Athletic in an exciting stalemate at the Tallaght Stadium, to the challenges ahead. “It’s a big week – two big games, two great games to look f
Shamrock Rovers Head Coach Stephen Bradley quickly moved on, from his side’s 0-0 draw with St. Patrick’s Athletic in an exciting stalemate at the Tallaght Stadium, to the challenges ahead.
“It’s a big week – two big games, two great games to look forward to,” reflected Bradley. “We’ll be ready to go on Monday.”
Rovers will be at the home of the reigning champions (and the prospective champions) on Monday night. “It’s going to be a different game but one we’re looking forward to,” enthused Bradley who will be hoping that his charges start faster at Oriel Park than they did against St. Pat’s. Pat’s shaded the first half and Rovers had Alan Mannus to thank for denying first Lee Desmond and then Kevin Toner a lead goal.
“We’re looking at Dundalk, that’s it. We’re looking at Dundalk – it’s the next game. Prepare right. Go with a game plan to win that game.”
And of a Friday night extra.ie FAI Cup semi-final against arch rivals Bohemians, Bradley had this to say. “We’re not looking any further, other than Dundalk on Monday night.”
St. Pat’s goalkeeper Brendan Clarke was in outstanding form as Rovers upped the ante after the break in Tallaght. “We were a bit unlucky, first half,” was Clarke’s assessment of his team’s latest good result under new Boss Stephen O’Donnell. “Second half, we had to grind out a point because they’re a good side.” On his 200th appearance for St. Pat’s, Clarke played no small part in delivering that point with superb saves from a Lee Grace header and a couple of searing shots by Sean Kavanagh.
Clarke took some comfort from other results on the night as the Inchicore men continue their hunt for a European place. “But Bohs and Derry drew as well. We’ve got to play them coming up as well. So there’s a lot to play for over the rest of the season.”
