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.
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.
Alan Reynolds, now back with Rovers, did what he does best; stalked his prey for the 52 minutes he played. His interventions were critical in the opening exchanges. While never quite overrunning Rovers in midfield, the visitors were 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 quickly restored their game plan. Their attacks were well orchestrated. Ger Rowe and David Tyrell showed well while Tadhg Purcell should have scored early on but skewed wide from close range.
Although Purcell was often isolated up front, his striker partner Rowe 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 intervention. UCD regrouped and Fitzgerald twice forced returning goalkeeper Barry Murphy to scramble and gather.
But the goal the home support craved arrived 11 minutes after the break. Tyrell's corner found Rowe unmarked. The Dubliner, afforded far too much room, headed home his sixth league goal.
Purcell wasn't to be outshone and he headed the second goal some 15 minutes later after Ger O'Brien supplied the cross.
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).
