Hoops outclassed by PAOK as Honohan sees red

Shamrock Rovers hopes of competing in the league phase of the Europa League look over after they were beaten 4-0 by Greek side PAOK in the first leg of their play-off round meeting at the Toumba Stadium.

The Hoops held their own while managing heavy rain until a Daniel Cleary own-goal in the final seconds of the first half gave the home side the lead.

Taison made it 2-0 just after the break and Giannis Konstantelias added a third in the 67th minute.

After Josh Honohan was sent off for a second yellow card, things got worse for Rovers as Fedor Chalov hit the back of the net for the Greek champions.

Whatever happens next week at Tallaght Stadium, Stephen Bradley know before a ball is kicked that they have qualified for the Conference League proper.

Thursday night will be a confidence boost ahead of continental campaign proper, as the Greek side often struggled to create clear-cut chances over the nature of the Rovers defence.

That started with an early chance for Konstantinos Koulierakis and Trevor Clarke closed down and forced a rushed shot which was blocked by Cleary.

PAOK's first shot on target was in the eighth minute and Brandon’s effort was clawed away by the right hand of Leon Pohls. The Rovers goalkeeper then reacted to deal with a header by Tomasz Kędziora and the game remained scoreless.

The Hoops even managed to get forward during a dominating opening for the home side, and an attempt by Gary O’Neill went straight into the hands of Dominik Kotarski.

Rovers were then forced into a re-think as Clarke was forced off with an ankle injury, meaning Honohan had to move to the opposite wing.

Just as they settled, an Andrija Živković cross was turned in by Cleary and the home side took the lead.

Any hope of an immediate response