Top form continues for Bradley as Shamrock Rovers see off Sligo

Shamrock Rovers strengthened their grip on top spot in the SSE Airtricity League Premier League Premier Division with a convincing 3-0 verdict over Sligo Rovers at the Tallaght Stadium.

Home Head Coach Stephen Bradley was content with his side’s night’s work. And he felt the Hoops upped their performance level even more from last week’s win at Richmond Park.

“We’re delighted. Last week we created chances against Pat’s and we should have finished it off. Tonight we created chances and we did finish it so I’m delighted.”

Rovers sit four points clear of champions Dundalk albeit the Hoops have played one game more than their Co. Louth rivals.

Although the Tallaght men owned the possession stakes in the first half, the lead goal took a long time to materialize – Dan Carr’s volley from a 39th minute corner. “They came and sat in and tried to make it difficult for us,” reflected Bradley. “We had to keep moving the ball and keep probing. Once we got the break they had to come and play and then they opened up for us.”

Sligo did carve out some second half chances, notably a Ronan Coughlan header and Chris Twardek’s shot that was deflected for a corner, but most of the opportunities fell at the other end. “It can look frustrating not to create more but it’s very difficult with eleven men behind the ball at the edge of the box,” said Bradley.

“You have to keep probing. We felt that if we did that second half they’d tire.” Sligo’s stout resistance eventually did crumble in that second period. Skipper Ronan Finn and Jack Byrne, with a sublime first goal for Shamrock Rovers, ensured the Hoops unbeaten home run continued.

With a glut of international call-up postponements looming next weekend, Rovers have an opportunity to open up an even bigger gap on their pursuers with a second match inside three weeks against Finn Harps, this time in Ballybofey on March 22nd.