SOCCER: SSE AIRTRICITY LEAGUE ROUND-UP
Shaw and Rovers powerless to stop Celtic
By Daire Walsh
AFTER sitting out his side’s scoreless draw with Cork City at Turner’s Cross on Friday evening, Shamrock Rovers striker Gary Shaw was back in action for a glamour friendly against Glasgow Celtic on the following day.
For the Hoops’ trip down to the Leeside, Kildare native Shaw was named on the bench alongside recent recruit Alan Mannus – the Northern Ireland international returning to the south Dublin club for a second spell. Given the tight and tense nature of the play, Rovers boss Stephen Bradley kept changes to a minimum over the course of the contest.
Joel Coustrain was added to the mix for the visitors, and he arrived just in time to see teenage netminder Gavin Bazunu turn away a Kieran Sadlier spot-kick. Given the exertions of the selected team, it was no surprise that Shaw – and several others – were then given an opportunity to shine at home to Brendan Rodgers’ SPL champions.
When the teams met in the same venue 12 months ago, Celtic came away with a 9-0 success. It wasn’t quite as emphatic time around, but the Scottish giants nevertheless hit seven goals without reply to warm themselves up for the upcoming Champions League qualifiers.
Shaw led the line for Rovers, before eventually being replaced in the 63rd minute. He will now hope to place added pressure of first-choice centre-forward Dan Carr – with a busy domestic and European schedule on the horizon. Meanwhile, Athy’s Rory Feely returned from suspension to play his part in Waterford FC’s 1-1 draw at home to Bohemians – former club of his older brother Kevin. With his side trailing to a Dinny Corcoran opener, Feely was added to the fray in place of ex-Republic of Ireland international Noel Hunt.
This move worked to Waterford’s advantage, as Bastien Hery found the net to keep the Blues seven point clear of Shamrock Rovers in third place.
In the Airtricity League First Division on Saturday, Clane goalkeeper Paul Hunt was an assured presence for Cobh Ramblers in their 2-1 win at the expense of Longford Town.
Another Lilywhite star, Mark Hughes, featured from the start for Shelbourne in their 1-1 stalemate with UCD on Friday – which keeps Shels just four points adrift of the pace-setting Students.
Finally, Kilcock man Aaron Brilly appeared off the bench for basement side Athlone Town in their 4-1 defeat to Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park on the same night.