TEENAGE STAR DEAN Dillon was the hero for Shamrock Rovers tonight as the Hoops reached their sixth successive EA Sports Cup semi-final.
The 17-year-old struck the decisive goal, his first at senior level, on 84 minutes at Tallaght Stadium to see Rovers join Cork City, Dundalk and Galway United in the final four.
It was a timely victory for Rovers boss Stephen Bradley as his side have won just once in their last four SSE Airtricity Premier Division games.
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Bradley made nine changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Limerick last Friday with Brandon Miele and David Webster the sole survivors from the starting XI in that disappointing home outing.
Rovers were full value for the win, dominating possession for long spells but failing to get the better of Longford goalkeeper Jack Brady.
However, just as it looked as if extra-time was looming Dillon stepped up to the plate, tucking the ball in the corner after an excellent pass from substitute Darren Meenan.
Next up for Rovers is a home league tie against reigning Premier Division champions Dundalk on Friday night, while Longford will return to Dublin for a First Division clash against Cabinteely.
17-year-old Dillon lands decisive blow as Rovers advance to semis
Shamrock Rovers 1 Longford Town 0
TEENAGE STAR DEAN Dillon was the hero for Shamrock Rovers tonight as the Hoops reached their sixth successive EA Sports Cup semi-final.
The 17-year-old struck the decisive goal, his first at senior level, on 84 minutes at Tallaght Stadium to see Rovers join Cork City, Dundalk and Galway United in the final four.
It was a timely victory for Rovers boss Stephen Bradley as his side have won just once in their last four SSE Airtricity Premier Division games.
Bradley made nine changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Limerick last Friday with Brandon Miele and David Webster the sole survivors from the starting XI in that disappointing home outing.
Rovers were full value for the win, dominating possession for long spells but failing to get the better of Longford goalkeeper Jack Brady.
However, just as it looked as if extra-time was looming Dillon stepped up to the plate, tucking the ball in the corner after an excellent pass from substitute Darren Meenan.
Next up for Rovers is a home league tie against reigning Premier Division champions Dundalk on Friday night, while Longford will return to Dublin for a First Division clash against Cabinteely.
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