Shamrock Rovers were eventually full value for their resounding 6-1 victory over Derry City at a cold and damp Tallaght Stadium. The Hoops opened slowly on the night but strikes from Sean Kavanagh, Ronan Finn and a Graham Burke four timer earned th
Shamrock Rovers were eventually full value for their resounding 6-1 victory over Derry City at a cold and damp Tallaght Stadium.
The Hoops opened slowly on the night but strikes from Sean Kavanagh, Ronan Finn and a Graham Burke four timer earned the home side their second victory in a row.
Derry City had plenty of territory and possession and forced seven corners in the opening half hour. But the home side grew into the game and deservedly took a 41-minute lead. Trevor Clarke embarked on one of his trademark runs down the Rovers left.
His pass found skipper Ronan Finn who executed a deft chip over the defence to find the inrushing Graham Burke and Burke fired a shot across Ger Doherty and into the net. The tie was effectively decided six minutes into the second half.
Sean Kavanagh slowed sublime skill in the penalty area to outwit the Candystripes defence before placing a deft low shot into Doherty’s net. A miserable night for Kenny Shiels’ men was complete when Ronan Finn and Graham Burke both scored within a minute midway through the second half, the skipper pouncing on a Brandon Miele flick and Burke profiting from a Doherty mistake.
Substitute Ronan Hale gave Derry some consolation in the 73rd minute, slotting home a Rory Patterson through ball but Burke completed his hat trick with a far post tap-in just two minutes later. Burke applied further Derry heartache with another cool finish with the last kick of the game.
