Shamrock Rovers

Ronan Finn's first European goal sent the Hoops on their way to a first-leg rampage before Dylan Watts and Rory Gaffney hammered home their dominance.

Rovers made them pay with a third. Substitute Terrence Groothusen raced clear to clip the crossbar before Thaylor somehow contrived to hit the post rather than the net when he brushed past Lee Grace to head goalward. Finn and Gaffney were centrally involved again, slipping in Dylan Watts’ side-footer to find the bottom corner from eight yards.

Shamrock Rovers take on Hibernians of Malta in the Champions League first qualifying round on Tuesday, July 5th.

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League of Ireland holders Shamrock Rovers take on Hibernians FC of Malta in first leg of their Champions League first qualifying round this week.

They famously knocked Shelbourne out of the Champions League in 2002, with losses to Dundalk in 1979 and Waterford in 1980 also on their European record. Not to be confused with Scotland's Hibernian FC, Hibernians are the current Maltese champions and have played Irish teams a number of times in the past. The Hoops will be with without Danny Mandroiu who is carrying a knock but is also on the verge of a move to League One outfit Lincoln City.

In what is their first round Champions League qualifier, Shamrock Rovers and Hibernians meet on Tuesday night at Tallaght Stadium. The two sides will kick off ...

Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Hibernians Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Hibernians Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Hibernians

Shamrock Rovers team: Alan Mannus, Lee Grace, Roberto Lopes, Sean Hoare, Andy Lyons, Ronan Finn, Gary O'Neill, Chris McCann, Dylan Watts, Rory Gaffney, ...

A warning sign for the hosts. A warning sign for the hosts. Joseph Zerafa's tame effort at goal is gathered by Mannus. The Maltese putting together a few passes in the midfield, though that's not a luanchpad for anything threatening in attack. His cross was expertly side-footed home by Watts in the box. What a strike from Terence Groothusen that smacks off the crossbar. What a strike from Terence Groothusen that smacks off the crossbar.

Rory Gaffney says Shamrock Rovers have put themselves in prime position to have a free hit at their European campaign but admitted he was lucky to escape a ...

"I've got sent off once in my life and never meant to kick him in the face. I suppose I have kicked him but I didn't go out to kick him in the face, not at 2-0 up anyways. "I thought he was on me and I was trying to get him off me but he obviously dragged me to the floor.

Striker lucky to avoid a red card for lashing out before scoring his side's third goal.

Clearly a cynical foul, the Tuam native appeared to kick the Spaniard in the face. I’ve got sent off once in my life and never meant to kick him in the face. But the game’s natural flow had been interrupted as Degabriele dropped deep to launch a Hail Mary for Thaylor to outmuscle Lee Grace and strike a low shot off the butt of Mannus’s post. Lyons was effectively a high-pressing winger, doing damage in the build-up to Ronan Finn’s goal after 24 minutes of constant probing. Gaffney kept up his end of the bargain. They can thank Dylan Watts for providing a creative edge, as the attacking midfielder threatened from inside left, which allowed Andy Lyons continue his impressive conversion at left wing back.

In the best way possible, this was a surreal European night for Shamrock Rovers. Champions League ties aren't supposed to be like this for Irish clubs.

Somehow, the officials missed the clear contact of boot to face and awarded a pair of yellows. Hibernians sprung the imposing Terence Groothusen at centre forward and he made an impact, striking the woodwork with a long range thunderbolt. And then there was aggression, a moment of madness from Gaffney when he kicked out at Gabriel Artiles after being wrestled to the ground. Playmaker Dylan Watts bagged the second, anticipating the timing of Gaffney’s delivery as the Maltese switched off. Ties in the premier competition have proved hard to win for our top dogs. Champions League ties aren’t supposed to be like this for Irish clubs.

Shamrock Rovers 3-0 Hibernians (Malta) The Hoops enjoyed a comfortable victory over their Malteese opponents in tonights Champions League First Qualifying ...

Thaylor found himself clear in the box only to see his low ground shot hit the butt of the Hoops goal and rebound to safety. Rovers from the off in front of a crowd of 7,019 were on the front foot in this tie. As with the first goal the attacking left hand side proved fertile for Stephen Bradleys charges.