Reports of Stephen Bradley's exit were cleared up ahead of kick-off, as the Hoops manager reaffirmed his commitment to the club and oversaw a comfortable home win at the expense of Finn Harps.
Three goals inside 30 minutes from Roberto Lopes and a Danny Mandroiu brace hinted at a rout, but Ollie Horgan's side were resolute enough to pull one back and suppress the Hoops’ relentless attacks.
The win leaves the champions one point behind table-topping Derry City, who were held to a 1-1 home draw by Bohemians.
Bradley – now the Hoops’ second longest serving manager of all time – looked on the verge of a dramatic mid-season exit earlier on Friday, as Lincoln City attempted to lure him into their vacant managerial position, however, Bradley stated that he still had unfinished business at the Dublin club.
The 37-year-old has built the country’s most talented squad, one he believes could make an impact in Europe this summer.
And they showed their talent to take the lead after just sixteen minutes. Jack Byrne’s corner incited a goalmouth scramble and Cape Verde international Roberto Lopes found himself in the right place to strike a bouncing ball into the net.
The Hoops doubled their lead three minutes later.
Collecting the ball on the edge of the box, Rory Gaffney took a step towards midfield before threading a cutting pass around the corner into the path of Sean Gannon in the box. Arriving at the back post, Mandroiu used his chest to deflect the first-time cross in.
Byrne showcased ludicrous quality to design the Hoops’ third goal just before the half hour mark.
Midway inside the Harps half, the Republic of Ireland international glanced up before curling a magnificent 35-yard cross onto the head of Mandroiu to convert with a diving header.
Much was made of Mandroiu’s early season poor form, but the 23-year-old looked back to his best as he twisted defenders’ inside and outside during a man-of-the-match display.
While the home side dominated proceedings, Harps managed to nab one back during a rare attack just before half-time; Conor Tourish heading Ryan Rainey’s cross past Alan Mannus in the Rovers net.
Considering the quick turnaround to Monday’s match against Sligo, Bradley offered early substitutions for Lee Grace, Andy Lyons and Byrne.
Aaron Greene, Aidomo Emakhu, and Graham Burke were introduced and provided an onslaught of attacks after the break.
Thwarting a series of strikes from all three attackers, goalkeeper Mark McGinley was key to preventing Rovers from running riot on the scoreboard.
Emakhu, Rovers’ beloved teenage academy graduate, was unlucky not to score one of his many efforts as McGinley and the woodwork combined to keep the score at three.
Undeterred by the pelting rain and lack of second-half goals, the home fans sang Stephen Bradley’s name until long after the final whistle. A day that began full of worry for Rovers fans could not have ended much better.
Shamrock Rovers: Alan Mannus; Sean Kavanagh, Sean Gannon, Roberto Lopes, Lee Grace (Sean Hoare, 46), Andy Lyons (Barry Cotter, 60); Chris McCann, Richie Towell, Danny Mandroiu (Aaron Greene, 60), Jack Byrne (Graham Burke, 46); Rory Gaffney (Aidomo Emakhu, 46)
Finn Harps: Mark McGinley; Ryan Rainey, Conor Tourish, Ethan Boyle, Rob Slevin, Regan Donelon; Erol Alkan, Barry McNamee (Luke Rudden, 62), Jesse Devers, Filip Mihaljevic (Shaun McDermott, 89); Yoyo Mahdy (Nathan Logue, 83)
Referee: Tom Owen
