Superb Rovers blaze a trail in Europe with a 3-0 victory over FK Borac

Shamrock Rovers made history at Tallaght Stadium as they marched into the knock-out stages of the UEFA Conference League with a convincing 3-0 victory over FK Borac.

The home side struck early through a Johnny Kenny header in the 12th minute and looked comfortable throughout as they became the first League of Ireland side to reach the post-Christmas phase of European competition.

Goalscorer became provider in the 56th minute as Neil Farrugia doubled the lead before Kenny bagged his brace eight minutes later to make it three and secure the points for the home side.

Almost six weeks out of season and the Hoops got a timely wake-up call in the opening minute as Borac ran right through the middle of the home defence.

Sandi Ogrinec skipped all too easily past Roberto Lopes before feeding forward Stefan Savic, who forced a fine save from Leon Pohls who got a strong right hand on the low shot to the corner.

Rovers gained a modicum of composure in the fourth minute, playing through the middle with Neil Farrugia showing and Kenny also dropping into space to maintain possession.

But it was a rusty Rovers performance in the opening exchanges with Ogrinec bursting forward from midfield at every opportunity and looking a serious threat.

Rovers came alive in the ninth minute with Markus Poom and Josh Honohan combining down the left flank with the latter driving a dangerous ball into box for Farrugia to attack.

Dylan Watts was beginning to pull the strings from midfield as the home side started to take over and the impressive spell of possession would pay dividends as early as the 12th minute.

It was proving all too easy for Rovers who played right through the middle of the park before the play moved out to the left flank; the first cross