Shamrock Rovers 2 UCD 0: Those affiliated with Shamrock Rovers now wince when asked about the club's remarkable revival. A few months back their progress and subsequent lofty position was applauded from afar but neutrals questioned whether the run could be maintained. But their momentum shows no signs of waning and the Dubliners are very much key players in the title shake-up.
This victory consolidates their station in third but crucially they again move to within three points of leaders Drogheda. Second placed St Patrick's Athletic are also in their sights and next Monday's meeting between the pair now holds added significance. Rovers are no longer just 'First Division boys come good', they have a major hand to play and will bid to suker-punch a St Patrick's side preoccupied with Europe on Thursday.
Last night space was at a premium and the challenges were meaty. Not two components you'd expect would produce an enthralling game yet supporters' attention was held throughout. The tenacious tackling, in particular, set an early tone for a feisty contest. Alan Reynolds, now back with Rovers, did what he does best; stalked and punished his prey for the 52 minutes he played.
Indeed, his timely interventions were critical in those opening exchanges. Snarling and snapping at the heels of his opponents, his tackles were well served as UCD gained a foothold in midfield. While never quite overrunning Rovers in that department, the visitors were certainly lively and Ronan Finn and Shane Fitzgerald's pace was problematic. Reynolds, though, led by example and soon enough his team-mates were reproducing that drive.
But despite losing striker Paul Byrne to an early injury, UCD were focused on their task. Using that pace to good effect, they hurt Rovers initially who were unsteady at times in defence. But Rovers, to their credit, quickly restored their gameplan. Their attacks, when afforded space to do so, were well orchestrated. Ger Rowe and David Tyrell showed well while Tadhg Purcell should have scored early on but skewed wide from close range.
That miss, as sloppy as it was, spurred the hosts onto better things. Ball retention was key and their tight passing game soon reaped rewards. Although Purcell was often isolated up front, his striker partner Rowe expelled a tremendous amount of energy. He tormented full back Ian Bermingham and Rovers profited well from that outlet.
From one such move Rowe raced in on goal and shot at Matt Gregg. Although the goalkeeper blocked with his foot, the ball bobbled and would have crossed the line but for Alan Mahon's goal line intervention. UCD, under increasing pressure, regrouped smartly and Fitzgerald orchestrated a mean retaliation. Twice he slalomed through half-hearted challenges, forcing returning goalkeeper Barry Murphy to scramble and gather.
But the goal the vocal home support craved duly arrived 11 minutes after the break. Tyrell's delivery was immaculate all evening and the new signing's floated corner found Rowe unmarked. The young Dubliner, afforded far too much room, stylishly headed home his sixth league goal. While Purcell's goals have grabbed the headlines this term, Rowe's contribution to Rovers' revival should not be underestimated.
Purcell, though, wasn't to be outshone and he headed the hosts to a two-goal advantage some 15 minutes later. Ger O'Brien this time supplied the cross and the striker's cunning run went unspotted by napping defenders. UCD never lost sight but, despite their initial flashes, were too restricted for the remainder to be at their fluent best.
Shamrock Rovers: Murphy; O'Brien, Ferguson, O'Connor, Pender; Martin (E McGill 48), Reynolds (Lawrence 52), D McGill, Tyrell; Purcell (Myler 73), Rowe.
UCD: Gregg; Mahon, McNally, Kenna, Bermingham; Fitzgerald (Doyle), McFaul, Finn, C Byrne (McDonnell 86); P Byrne (Forsyth 22), Sammon. Booked: McFaul (23), Fitzgerald (39).
Referee: D Hancock (Dublin)
