UCD 0
Sligo Rovers 2
SLIGO ROVERS PICKED up a relatively straightforward three points when they disposed of a surprisingly-lethargic UCD at the Belfield Bowl in Friday night, with Adam McDonnell at the double.
John Russell’s side played some exhilarating football at times but they were accommodated by a strangely lackluster UCD side who did not play like a team trying to avoid automatic relegation from the Premier Division.
As it transpired, the result does not alter matters at the foot of the table as UCD’s rivals Finn Harps were also well beaten so the relegation roadshow now moves on to the next series of games.
The best chance of the opening period came in the 13th minute when Rovers worked the ball down the right flank and when the ball was crossed into the box, Aidan Keena had a free header that was tipped over the bar by Kian Moore.
Rovers did take the lead in the 19th minute when they availed of a loose pass on the halfway line and immediately fed the ball to Keena. He drove into the heart of the UCD defence before slipping the ball to McDonnell who then dinked the ball over Moore for a delightful goal.
The visitors played some excellent football after getting the opening goal and the Students’ were living off scraps for large portions of the first half and never got to test Richard Brush in the Rovers goal.
Rovers almost made in two in the 50th minute when Keena was put through for a one-on-one with Moore but the college keeper did very well to steal the ball off his foot as he was about to pull the trigger.
Their dominance did pay dividends in the 55th minute when another misplaced pass by the Students’ saw Rovers break at speed and the lightning quick McDonnell took the ball around Moore and slotted into an empty net.
Matters did not improve for UCD in the 73rd minute when head coach Andy Myler was red-carded by referee Oliver Moran for ongoing verbal intimidation of the fourth official.
Rovers could have further extended their lead in the closing stage with numerous chances falling to McDonnell, Liivak and Keena but some desperate defending by UCD left the final score line at 2-0.
UCD: Kian Moore; Jack Keaney, Evan Osam (Harry O Connor 67), Sam Todd, Alex Dunne (Johnny Haist 86), Dylan Duffy, Evan Caffrey, Dara Keane, Sean Brennan (Aaron Corish 67) Alex Nolan (Donal Higgins 52), Thomas Lonergan.
Sligo Rovers: Richard Brush, Colm Horgan (Lewis Banks 35), Shane Blaney (Eanna Clancy 83) Nando Pijnaker, Paddy Kirk, Niall Morahan (Kailin Barlow 83), Adam McDonnell, Will Fitzgerald, Robbie Burton (Seamus Keogh 88), Frank Liivak, Aidan Keena.
Referee: Oliver Moran
We could certainly be doing with a Ferris or two in the green jersey nowadays. One of the best ever to wear the jersey. Pity career ended prematurely. I do enjoy him on the punditry. Very honest.
@Ray Ridge: So powerful, quality player indeed, thought he started his punditry on the bitter side, taken some time for the competitor in him to fade a little, he’s decent enough now tho in fairness.
He would have made any world 15 in his prime, absolutely quality player. Such a shame his career ended so early
When on form and injury free he was up there with Kaino as the best no.6 in the world.
Is Impactful code for always injured?
@Spailpeen Farrell: stupid comment. He was a class player
@Spailpeen Farrell: Always injured? Yes injury blighted the last year or so for him, but always injured, that’s a laugh. The reckless way he put himself about was possibly what didn’t help him have a long career but he never went missing in games and without needing to talk about what irishness meant to him he did his bit and more for the game here. Top class 6.
What a brilliant player – such a shame he had to retire so early. Always thought he could have managed himself a little better in terms of injuries, but guess that was just the competitor in him / always wanted to be back out in the thick of it.
I train at the same gym as him nowadays and hes STILL a beast!
Jaysis Ireland really had a glorious chance in 2011 to win the World Cup. Full panel of players to chose from……..Welsh defence was unreal that day though
Not sure we played New Zealand in Croker in 2010, think it was Aviva Stadium.