A 74th minute sucker punch marred an otherwise impressive Shamrock Rovers performance on a warm dull evening at the Tallaght Stadium. The Hoops’ Europa League aspirations hang by a thread after a 1-0 defeat to AIK Stockholm, whose right winger Dani
A 74th minute sucker punch marred an otherwise impressive Shamrock Rovers performance on a warm dull evening at the Tallaght Stadium.
The Hoops’ Europa League aspirations hang by a thread after a 1-0 defeat to AIK Stockholm, whose right winger Daniel Sundgren plundered a vital second half away goal to give the Swedes the advantage for next week’s second leg.
Rovers played a very confident, passing brand of football with the experienced Ronan Finn and Greg Bolger pulling the midfield strings, and were the better side in the opening half. Hoops’ newcomer Dylan Watts had an eventful night.
The former Leicester and Bohemians midfielder picked-up a first half yellow card for a tug on Tarik Elyounoussi as AIK attempted to break quickly from a Rovers corner. An eighth minute Sean Kavanagh free kick fell to Watts who shot from distance but AIK netminder Oscar Linner saved.
Seven minutes into the second half, Ronan Finn’s low cross found Watts in the box but Watts’ shot was deflected over. Just three minutes later, Watts latched on to a Greg Bolger pass and his low shot almost deceived Linner before the keeper gathered at the second attempt.
Rovers restricted AIK to just two first half attempts and it took until the 40th minute for the visitors to carve out a credible opportunity. Ahmed Yasin cut in from the AIK right. His left foot shot was deflected for a corner.
Two minutes later some hesitancy in the Rovers midfield let Henok Goitom in but the Stockholm skipper’s shot was too high. AIK came more into the game in the second half as Rovers understandably tired. Young goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu was forced into top class saves to thwart Ahmed Yasin’s half volley and Alexander Milosevic’s header from a corner.
The vital strike arrived with just a quarter of an hour left. AIK broke quickly and Elyounoussi slid a precision pass through for Daniel Sundgren to slot the ball coolly past the advancing Bazunu.
