Hibernians vs Shamrock Rovers

This bore draw was good news for Shamrock Rovers as they eased their way into the second round of the Champions League Qualifiers.

In truth, that didn’t amount to much. But the real significance is in the doors it opens. Progression for the Hoops sets up a second round qualifier with Bulgarian champions Ludogorets and ensures they will bank a minimum of €1.4m for their efforts this year.

Stephen Bradley's side are now in a strong position to secure group-stage football after a professional job against Hibernians.

It was to this soporific endgame that Bradley introduced Jack Byrne, making his first appearance in six weeks after a calf injury. The muscular Groothusen – an Aruba international with a chest as wide as Rovers’ margin for error – was the target of several Hibernians’ crosses into the box, though he did little with them, flicking one header harmlessly wide. A better target proved to be captain Jurgen Degabriele, who volleyed a side-footed effort over the bar from the edge of the six-yard box when he was picked out by a fabulous cross from the left flank by Gabri. That chance fell to Hibernians in the final minute of the first half and was their best chance by a distance, as they lacked the quality to break down a Rovers side happy to sit off in a 5-3-2, a luxury earned in the first-leg.

After goals from Ronan Finn, Dylan Watts and Rory Gaffney secured a vital win in the first round, Stephen Bradley will feel the need to make a statement in the ...

Shamrock Rovers face Hibernians on Tuesday in their Champions League 2nd leg tie. "If you sit back against this time, you’re asking for trouble. Rovers are ten points clear at the summit of the League of Ireland Premier Division table with a third title on the bounce looking more and more likely.

Shamrock Rovers will face Bulgarian outfit Ludogorets in next week's Champions League qualifier after surviving the scything blades of these unchecked Maltese.

It took the referee 49 minutes to finally caution a Hibernians player despite a rash of dirty fouls. Gonzalo Llerna took the next booking for a hand trip on Chris McCann. Burke and Jack Byrne were on the bench but the Irish internationals, so important to this European journey, had been providing running commentary behind the Hibernians goal. That was Hibs’ challenge under new Italian coach Andrea Pisanu but they lacked the quality required to stress Rovers’ compact shape. Mr Lukjančukas silenced the leashed pair with a booking just before everyone paused for water. At least the Tallaght faithful, who wisely turned this first round qualifier into a holiday, could be heard over the sound of barracking coaches.

Shamrock Rovers held firm and have booked their place in the Champions League second qualifying round after a goalless draw book-ended a 3-0 aggregate win.

His low cross slid across to Gaffney, but the striker's finish was fired well wide of the far post. Gabri fired a brilliant curled cross into the box but skipper Jurgen Degabriele made a mess of the resulting volley and sent the ball flying over the bar. In the second half, Bradley's charges remained content with their measured approach.