Shamrock Rovers turbo-charge Conference League knockout hopes after edging past TNS

Shamrock Rovers turbo-charged their hopes of reaching the next stage of the UEFA Conference League after coming from behind to beat Welsh champions The New Saints 2-1 at Tallaght Stadium.

Propelled into the third match-week of the competition's revamped format by an unbeaten start following a home draw with APOEL and a 4-1 hammering of Larne in Belfast, Stephen Bradley’s side knew getting to the seven-point mark in the League Phase would go a long way towards giving the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division runners-up a realistic chance of securing a place in the top 24 teams that advance to the play-off round.

That objective was briefly dented by Jordan Williams’ 14th minute goal but the Hoops battled back before half-time via goals from Johnny Kenny and Dylan Watts.

Rovers made two changes to the side that beat Larne two weeks ago, with Neil Farrugia returning from suspension and Dylan Watts starting - Graham Burke and the injured Danny Mandroiu dropping out of the eleven.

The visitors, meanwhile, initially set up in a 4-4-2 featuring some names familiar to League of Ireland audiences in the shape of former Derry City players Josh Daniels and Rory Holden as well as ex-Dundalk loanee Daniel Williams.

It was the home side that made a confident, front-foot start from the opening whistle as Johnny Kenny received possession down the right channel inside the box, but the Sligoman powered his shot wide of the near post.

Bradley’s men continued to dictate the early pace, penning TNS back, with Aaron McEneff combining with Dylan Watts before flashing another effort just off target from the opposite side of the area six minutes later.

However, TNS served notice of the threat they possessed, especially from wide areas, in their first