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Donall Farmer/INPHO

Miele's on wheels to deliver victory for Shamrock Rovers in Drogheda

The winger’s first half strike gave the Hoops licence to play on the break for most of this game.

Drogheda United 0

Shamrock Rovers 1

SHAMROCK ROVERS KEPT up their pursuit of the league leaders with a narrow win over Drogheda at United Park.

The Hoops remain five points behind second place Cork City, but extend their winning run in the league to three on the bounce thanks to Brandon Miele’s first half strike.

After a cagey opening half hour, Rovers goalkeeper Craig Hyland strongly claimed a Drogheda corner and turned defence in to instant attack by hurling the ball downfield with a powerful throw.

Midfielder Mark Hughes failed to deal with the ball flung his way and Miele pounced on the loose possession, racing beyond the remaining defenders and placing his finish beyond Michel Schlingermann.

A penalty shout went up a minute later as Ryan Brennan tumbled in the Drogheda area, but it was the hosts who came closest to the next score. Hughes doing his best to make amends, delivering a dangerous cross across the box where Sean Thornton was winding up for a header. The offside flag was up and Hyland batted the ball clear in any case.

With a one-goal cushion to start the second half, the Hoops seemed content to attempt to soak up pressure from the hosts and they did so with ease until the hour mark when another cross required a smart block from David Webster.

Lee Duffy also provided a threat to get the home support, but the better chances were still being created by the visitors. Gavin Brennan had a headed chance cleared by his brother Sean and a three-in-one counter-attack was only ruined by a needless offside. However, neither side managed to convert in the second period and Miele’s 31st minute effort sealed all three points for the Dublin club.

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