Shamrock Rovers show clinical edge to sink UCD

Champions Shamrock Rovers survived a couple of early scares before duly getting their quest for three-in-a-row titles off to a winning start against newly promoted UCD at Tallaght Stadium.

Alan Mannus snuffed out a brace of scorable chances from Liam Kerrigan before Rovers took control late in the first half with goals from Sean Hoare and Danny Mandroiu.

FULL MATCH DETAILS

Graham Burke was then sprung from the bench to add the gloss to a dominant second half display with a third strike later on.

Hoops manager Stephen Bradley, who watched from the stand as he served a suspension carried over from last year, made three changes from the side following last week's below-par display in the President's Cup win over St Patrick’s Athletic on penalties.

Sean Gannon, skipper Ronan Finn and Aidomo Emakhu were dropped to the bench to make way for the return of Roberto Lopes, who captained the side in the centre of a back three, a debut for Andy Lyons at right wingback while Rory Gaffney led the attack.

Promoted through the play-offs having finished third in the First Division last year, UCD started eight players aged 21 or under, with debuts for defender Eric Yoro and midfielder Dylan Duffy, 17 and 18 respectively.

If enjoying good possession from the off, Rovers were made to work hard to create openings.

With three early corners having come to nothing, it was the 12th minute before UCD were troubled.

Dylan Watts and Lee Grace linked well to play Neil Farrugia in on the left; the former Student’s composure deserting him as he blazed into the side netting.

Three minutes later, UCD showed their attacking threat.

Collie Whelan won the ball in midfield with Evan Caffrey’s first time pass putting Kerrigan through on goal. Though Alan Mannus stood