Rovers Beat Derry, Taking a Big Step Towards the Title
Rovers beat Derry, taking a big step towards the title, as Shamrock Rovers stretched their lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division to ten points with a 2-0 victory at Tallaght Stadium. The win over Derry City puts Stephen Bradley’s side in a commanding position with just ten games left in the season. Rory Gaffney scored both goals in the second half, giving Rovers their first league win against Derry in ten matches.
Derry’s Early Threat and Missed Opportunities
Despite the final scoreline, Derry had the better chances in the first half. Michael Duffy struck the post, and Brandon Fleming caused major problems for Rovers with dangerous runs down the flank. Duffy also weaved past defenders and whipped in dangerous balls, with one nearly turned in before Lee Grace cleared it off the line. It looked like the visitors might finally end their long winless run against Rovers on the fifth anniversary of former club president John Hume’s passing.
Gaffney Makes the Difference After the Break
The game turned just two minutes into the second half. Substitute Connor Malley replaced Aaron McEneff at the break, and almost instantly, Rovers were ahead. Lee Grace found Josh Honohan on the wing, and his low cross was turned in by Gaffney, unmarked in the box. Gaffney’s clinical finish gave him his seventh goal of the campaign.
Rovers Seal It in Style
Shortly after, Malley nearly doubled the lead with a powerful strike that rattled the crossbar. But it wasn’t long before Gaffney struck again. This time he collected a pass from Dylan Watts, spun away from Alex Bannon inside the box, and smashed home a brilliant left-footed goal—his eighth of the season. It was a stunning individual effort that effectively ended the contest.
Derry Down to Ten and Rovers Cruise
Things got worse for Derry in the 79th minute when Alex Bannon received a second yellow for a two-footed challenge on Honohan. Down to ten men, Derry had no response as Rovers saw out the match with ease, moving one step closer to another league title.
