Runaway table-toppers they may be, after a routine 2-1 win over Waterford maintained an eight point cushion over nearest challengers Bohemians, but nobody at Shamrock Rovers is getting carried away, least of all Head Coach Stephen Bradley. “Our aim
Runaway table-toppers they may be, after a routine 2-1 win over Waterford maintained an eight point cushion over nearest challengers Bohemians, but nobody at Shamrock Rovers is getting carried away, least of all Head Coach Stephen Bradley. “Our aim was to get as many points on the board as possible and we have done that. We need to understand that it’s been a very good start but we have a chance now to go and build on it.” The hectic early season schedule means a three day turnaround to a tricky looking away fixture against fourth-placed Derry City, “All you have to do is look at the next game,” declares Bradley. “There’s no real point looking anywhere else.” Monday night’s match will carry significant resonance for Hoops’ top league scorer and former Candystripe Aaron McEneff. “I’m from Derry. I love playing at the Brandywell. I’m looking forward to going back but I’ll be focused on getting the job done and getting three points.” Although not on the mark against Waterford, McAneff has netted five times in the league so far this season, including a brace away to 2017 double winners Cork City and that cheeky penalty conversion in the reverse fixture against his former club in Tallaght. “When I signed for Rovers, goalscoring was something I wanted to carry on from what I’ve been doing in the league for the past few years – getting goals. I’ve started well and hopefully that can continue.” Defender Roberto Lopes and sometime fullback but this left sided attacking player Sean Kavanagh struck for the goals to see off Waterford and McAneff sees this as further proof of his Head Coach’s assertion that a balanced side doesn’t depend on a couple of prolific scorers. “It helps take the weight off one or two players whenever everyone is chipping in with goals. You see it in training every day. The lads are great in front of goal and you’d really put your money on any of the players in our team to get a goal as we can get them from all over the pitch.”
