Shelbourne beat Shamrock Rovers 4-1
Friday, 24 September 2004 22:40A Jason Byrne hat-trick ensured Shelbourne maintained their lead at the top of the Premier Division table after a fine 4-1 win over Shamrock Rovers at Richmond Park tonight.
Byrne's first came from the penalty spot in the second minute after Rovers 'keeper Russell Payne had upended Stuart Byrne in the penalty area.
Mark O'Brien put Rovers back on level terms on 4 minutes but it was all Shelbourne after that.
Byrne's second came on 49 minutes when he rifled home from the edge of the 6 yard box after good work from Alan Cawley and Wesley Hoolahan.
Byrne then made sure of the points when he claimed his hat-trick on 57 minutes. He pounced on a quick pass from the right wing and ran through the stationary Rovers defence, who were possibly waiting for an off-side flag, before picking his spot and firing past the diving Payne.
Thomas Morgan added a fourth for Shels on 90 following good work by captain Owen Heary and Hoolahan.
Barry Ferguson earned Longford an unlikely point with a last gasp equaliser.
Dessie Baker whipped a free-kick in from the wing on 94 minutes and skipper
Ferguson headed home. Bohs had been the better side for much of the match after taking a 14th minute lead.
Dominic Foley helped on a cross for James keddy who blasted home a terrific
volley.
Daryl Murphy punished Drogheda with two poachers goals. Blues were in front on four minutes. John Frost capitalised on a mistake by Barry Molloy to cross for Murphy to volley home.
Drogheda battled back into the game to level on 39 minutes when Steve Grey
headed home his first goal of the season from Jermaine Sandvliet's cross.
Drogheda fullback John Flanagan was harshly sent off on 64 minute for a tackle
on Frost.
Ten minute later a second mistake from the otherwise excellent Molloy gifted
Murphy what proved the winner.
Filed by Eilish Barry
