"We'll keep working hard" - Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley

It looked like Shamrock Rovers were heading back to the top of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division table until a late Sean Hoare goal at Oriel Park gave Dundalk all three points against St. Pat’s. 

That didn’t unduly worry Hoops’ Head Coach Stephen Bradley. “We’re happy that we just keep doing what we’re doing and see where it takes us,” stated Bradley after his team’s latest victory at the Tallaght Stadium.

“We’re really happy with how we’re playing and winning games quite comfortably.” And it certainly was comfortable for Bradleys’ charges against 2017 champions Cork City.

Some frustration circulated around Tallaght at half-time as the score still stood at 0-0 but quckfire strikes in the second half by defenders Joey O’Brien and Roberto Lopes secured the 2-0 result that sees Rovers second to the Co. Louth Lilywhites on goal difference.

Just thirteen weeks into the season, Rovers have fulfilled half of their 2019 league programme and Bradley spoke of the required training regimen. “We need to be careful that we still train really hard so that the players’ fitness levels don’t dip but also that we’re fresh enough that we don’t overwork them either.”

Bradley’s men won’t play again now for two weeks due to international call-ups. “It’s about getting that balance right of keep working hard and keep the intensity up,” explained Bradley. “You also have to have your down days and freshen up the legs.”

Right backJoey O’Brien was understandably elated to score his first goal for Rovers. “It’s great to get the halfway of the season and know that you are up around the top of the league. 

"We are in with a chance and hopefully we will continue to perform as we have done over the first three months of the season,” said the ex-West Ham player, who has enjoyed an extended run in the Rovers side this campaign.