AN IMPRESSIVE HOME display by Shamrock Rovers saw Stephen Bradley’s men claw back a two-goal aggregate deficit just after the hour mark of their home second leg against Slovan Bratislava, but their dreams of progression to the second round of Champions League qualifying were ended in controversial circumstances by Vladimir Weiss, who struck for the visitors with 18 minutes of normal time remaining.
The Slovakian international’s incursion into the Rovers’ box and subsequent finish were exquisite, but the build-up to the goal left a sour taste in the mouths of Rovers players, management and fans due to an apparent foul on Roberto Lopes moments before Weiss struck what proved to be the dagger blow.
The game was not televised in Ireland but Slovan have today uploaded highlights to their official YouTube channel, which can be viewed below (Weiss’ goal begins at the 2:53 mark):
“It’s a definite foul,” Rovers manager Bradley said after the game. “I know that’s easy to say when it’s the goal that knocked you out but if you get done by a bit of play from the front players with a bit of quality, sometimes you have to take it and accept that.
“But we dealt with all that really well tonight and we get done by a really really poor decision, an awful decision that cost us. Because they were done, you could sense they were done on the pitch and from their bench. Physically, they were done.
The fourth official is saying ‘foul’ as the game is going on because he sees the forward push him but the ref doesn’t listen to him. For such a big decision, it’s an awful decision.
“There is one team going to win it then,” Bradley added. “The performance that the players gave has to be up there with one of the best Irish performances because we were playing a team who are at a really high level, a lot of internationals. We kept them really quiet, created a lot of chances, the ‘keeper made two great saves at the end. Ultimately we got done by a terrible decision and that’s a hard one to take.”
Barry Daly was particularly unlucky with injuries. A very effective try-scorer.
@Glenbower: would he be worth a shot by Connacht? Seriously depleted in the back 3
@Barra Mac An Bhaird: yes I think he’s a class player annoyed that leinster did not keep was extremely sharp before his injury.
@hypebeast: Totally agree. Great skillset and excellent finisher; I don’t remember him ever making a significant mistake. I prefer him to Kelleher in the back 3. He’d be a very good addition to the Connacht squad.
@Barra Mac An Bhaird: I have a feeling he may be retiring due to injuries
Sad to see Barry Daly is leaving
That’s remarkable work
New contracts for Leavy, connors and VDF…..
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: Maybe now that will put to bed any notions of other provinces scrounging around looking for one of them!
That’s a great mornings business. Delighted Fardy is getting another contract. He brings so much to Leinster. Great to see all the 7’s staying too though Leo has some selection headaches now.
@Kevin: Great to see Fardy stay. A real leader. We might see him in a coaching role in 2 years. 5 players promoted from the academy is a great return also.
Great bit of business, always good to see the academy lads getting senior contracts. Nice to see all the 7s are staying as well as Fardy.
Gutted for Barry Daly. Fastest man in the squad and hugely prolific scorer. Desperately unlucky with injuries, it’s such a shame. Schmidt even had called him into camp at one point.
Any of these players interested in a move West, Connacht getting weaker each year since 2016.
@Pretty Ladee: 2 of the players leaving are going west.
@Chris Mc: connacht need proven professionals not kids,
@Pretty Ladee: didn’t qualify for the Heineken cup 2 years in a row and followed that up by qualifying the next 2 years in a row, doesnt really sound like a decline ?
@Kohn Jeenan: look at this years departures, compared to signings, hardly an achievement qualifying for the heineken cup
@Pretty Ladee: there’s hardly a single player to come through the leinster academy that’s not ready for the pro 14
@Pretty Ladee: we’ve qualified on our own merit for the Heineken cup maybe a few times ever so I’m not sure how you can say it’s not an achievement, departures is kind of worrying but have to presume there’s some plan
@Pretty Ladee: Aungier is a gem of a player and a big loss to Leinster. He will soon be a favourate in the Sportsground
With Joe Tomane departing, I presume Leinster have room to sign another non Irish player, obviously not possible with the current economic situation.
Amazing to think that with Leinster’s academy, they will need nor miss this opportunity!
@Conor Mulloy: a none irish loose head might be the only requirement as healy will be away and is not getting any younger. Saying that it’s a great opportunity for the younger lads to step up.
@Chris Mc: A NIQ loosehead is a good shout. That said, Dooley had upped his game pre-COVID19 and was playing very well.
@Carmine Lorenzo: agree Dooley has stepped up but say going into a HC final and healy was injured dooley and Byrne doesn’t sound as good as healy and mcgrath
@Chris Mc: Nope it definitely does not, a certain drop off there. I guess we’ll find out soon enough whether Milne has what it takes.
@Carmine Lorenzo: if Leo trusts dooley Byrne and milne that’ll do for me.
Def jealous of that
Fantastic strength in depth and who would not want to sign on when the team is on the crest of a wave
Yeah v disappointed for Daly, He’s a VG player when fit
Great business by leinster selection ain’t easy delighted for Vardy
Are we becoming very forward heavy compared to backs. (with ferg and Rob) added to the list that moved on today