It was fitting that Gary Twigg once again proved to be the
match winner for Shamrock Rovers in his final home game for the club at the
Tallaght Stadium against UCD on Friday night. Twigg scored his 79th
and 80th league goals for the club to give them a 2-1 victory
against Martin Russel's side.
It was a quiet opening to the game. Both sides had plenty of
possession but neither defence was really troubled. The home fans kept
themselves entertained though by singing various songs in tribute to Twigg.
They had even more reason to sing his name in the 18th
minute when Rovers number 9 gave his side the lead. Billy Dennehy set it up. He
raced forward from midfield and played the ball in behind the UCD defence.
Twigg rounded Ger Barron and scored.
In the 20th minute Twigg scored his 20th
league goal of the season. The goal came after Stephen Rice played a ball in
behind the visitors defence. Once again Twigg stole in behind and rounded Barron
before putting the ball into the empty
net.
However David McMillan pulled one back for UCD just two
minute later. McMillan's goal arrived after a pass from Gary Burke on the left.
UCD'S number 23 turned and hit it beautifully on the volley over the head of
Oscar Jansson and into the net.
After 27 minutes it was almost 3 for Twigg and 3 for Rovers.
The Scottish man headed just wide from an Aaron Greene cross. Twigg was
also just a whisker away from completing his hat trick in the 38th
minute. This time McCabe crossed from the left and found the Scottish striker
who volleyed just wide.
UCD started the second half impressively. In the 52nd
minute they came close to scoring again. Ciaran Nangle found Smair Belhout in
space in the penalty area. Belhout had a low shot which was deflected just
wide.
After 74 minutes Gary O'Neill came on to replace Gary Twigg.
Twigg received a standing ovation from the crowd and a hug from Brian Laws.
Howevewr UCD were in no mood to make it easy for the home
side and once again they came close to equalizing in the 85th minute. David McMillan saw Oscar Jansson off his line
and tried to chip him from about 25 yards out but this time Jansson got back to
tip it away for a corner.
Then in the second minute of injury time the away side came
close again. The ball broke to Robbie
Benson from a free kick. Benson hit a fine shot from the edge of the area and
beat Jansson but the ball just shaved the post and went wide.
The home side held on for the win. After the final whistle Twigg
acknowledged the home fans who constantly sang his name throughout the night
and once again gave him a standing ovation. Twigg of Scotland was also giving a
guard of honour by his team mates before leaving the pitch. When will they see
his like again?
Shamrock Rovers: Oscar Jansson: Pat Sullivan, Ken Oman
(c), Graham Gartland, Conor Powell: Billy Dennehy, Stephen Rice, Conor
McCormack, Gary McCabe, Aaron Greene: Gary Twigg (Gary O'Neill 74).
Subs not used: Reyaad Pieterse, Shane O'Connor, Craig
Sives, Thomas Stewart, Sean Gannon, Gary O'Neill, Colin Hawkins.
Booked: Oscar Jansson (54), Graham Gartland (71),
Billy Dennehy (72), Ken Oman (83).
Sent off: None.
UCD: Ger Barron: Hugh Douglas (Mark langtry 46),
Ciaran Nangle, Michael Leahy (c), James Kavanagh: Chris Mulhall (Barry McCabe
67) Gary Burke, Paul O'Connor, Robbie Benson, Samir Belhout (Chris Lyons 60):
David McMillan
Subs not used: Mark McGinley, Daniel Lewdwith, Dean
Clarke, Tyrone McNelis.
Booked: Michael Leahy (46), Mark Langtry (80).
Sent off: None.
Referee: Paul Tuite.
Attendance: 2,500 (estimate).
Extratime.ie man of the match: Gary Twigg (Shamrock
Rovers).
No comments:
Post a Comment