Shamrock Rovers saw off Waterford 3-1 at the Tallaght Stadium to earn their sixth win in seven league matches. During that run, the Hoops have conceded just two goals. A key contributor to Rovers’ defensive improvement in the second-half of the sea
Shamrock Rovers saw off Waterford 3-1 at the Tallaght Stadium to earn their sixth win in seven league matches. During that run, the Hoops have conceded just two goals. A key contributor to Rovers’ defensive improvement in the second-half of the season has been central defender Lee Grace, who has been named Rovers Player of the Year. “Since the European break, we lost just one. We’re finishing strong and if the season was a bit longer, it’d be great but unfortunately it’s not. Last year we finished strong - I think we were ten points off Derry last season; same this season; we were nine points off Waterford,” said Grace after the Waterford victory that confirmed Rovers’ third place in the final table. Grace paid tribute to the Rovers’ goalkeepers, who also weighed in hugely to the reductions in the Rovers goals against column. “Kev (Kevin Horgan) came in and did well. Gav (Gavin Bazunu) came in and kept clean sheets. Big Al’s (Alan Mannus) just been unbelieveable.” The strapping ex-Galway player is committed to the Rovers cause. “I’m still on a contract next year. I’m happy here. I’m enjoying my football, I can’t see myself going anywhere else.” Grace went close with a header against Waterford but he’s been on the mark just once this season, against St. Pat’s back in May “I’m there to keep the goals out. If I get a few in the season I’m happy. I’m happier with a clean sheet.” Lee enjoyed Rovers’ games against AIK Stockholm but his favourite moment of the season came at Oriel Park. “It’s my first time playing in Europe so I’ll never forget that. But Dylan Watts last minute winner up in Dundalk (which sparked Rovers late season unbeaten run) was unbelievable.” Rovers’ finish to the season gives Grace optimism for the 2019 campaign, “Our head to head with Dundalk and Cork is not bad. It’s just consistency against the other teams. We’re definitely going to give it a good bash next season.”
