Sport

Myler makes mark

UCD  2 Shamrock Rovers 4: Inspired by a magnificent second-half hat-trick from veteran striker Andy Myler, Shamrock Rovers kept…

Sat Aug 25 2007 - 01:00

UCD  2 Shamrock Rovers 4:Inspired by a magnificent second-half hat-trick from veteran striker Andy Myler, Shamrock Rovers kept up their relentless pursuit of leaders Drogheda United with a convincing victory over UCD in last night's entertaining Premier Division clash at Belfield Park.

Myler came back to haunt the club where he started his senior career with a powerful exhibition of clinical finishing as Rovers kept themselves in second spot.

College striker Conor Sammon celebrated his call-up to Don Givens's Irish under-21 squad as a replacement for Sunderland's Anthony Stokes with a stunning strike after just 46 seconds giving Barry Murphy no chance.

UCagain went close when former Derry City man Peter Hynes fired just over with the Hoops defence again all at sea.

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After withstanding that early onslaught, Rovers were level on 13 minutes when striker Tadgh Purcell ran on to a ball from Myler only to be taken down inside the box by central defender Conor Kenna.

Dublin referee Declan Hanney immediately pointed to the spot and Purcell made no mistake with his penalty kick.

Looking much more adventurous in the second half, Rovers had their noses in front on 52 minutes after a long cross from the left by winger David Tyrrell allowed Purcell to get in a looping header missed by goalkeeper Darren Quigley. From the rebound off the bar, Myler bundled the ball home from close range.

Myler's second goal on 62 minutes came after a superb lob from the left with the outside of the right foot after a long ball out of defence.

Myler had his hat-trick on 85 minutes when Owen Doyle was taken down by McDonnell. Myler made no mistake with Rovers' second penalty of the night.

College did have a consolation goal in the last minute when winger Shane Fitzgerald volleyed home superbly from 14 yards.

UCD: Quigley; King,Shortall (McDonnell 69), Kenna, Bermingham; Fitzgerald, McFaul, Crowley (McWalter 76), D.Doyle; Sammon, Hynes (C.Byrne 69).

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Murphy; O'Brien, Lawrence, O'Connor, Clarke; Cassidy, Martin (Shiels 45), Reynolds, Tyrrell (O Doyle 58); Myler (Rowe 87), Purcell.

Referee: Declan Hanney (Dublin).