SSE AIRTRICITY PREMIER DIVISION
DERRY CITY 1 (Hoban 87')
SHAMROCK ROVERS 3 (Greene 56', 62', Towell 69')
AARON Greene led Shamrock Rovers to a hugely impressive second half performance against Derry City at the Brandywell.
Three stunning goals over a period of 12 minutes saw the Dubliners issue a statement of intent as they kick-started their challenge as the attempt to back up last season's successful effort.
Lone striker Greene netted a magnificent brace while Richie Towell sealed the deal with a fine finish having found the net after fine passing movement.
The victory sees Rovers leapfrog Derry into second spot and with a game in hand they also travel to meet leaders Shelbourne on Monday night in Tolka Park.
To be fair, Derry had competed well during what was a thrilling first half and few would have predicted what was to come after the break.
In fact the 'Candystripes' had opened well in front of a capacity attendance with Michael Duffy and Paul McMullan causing Rovers problems with their high press but both failed to find the net when well placed during what was a lively opening.
The end-to-end play continued throughout the opening period with Derry actually finding the net in the 12h minute when Ben Doherty sent Danny Mullen through and while he guided the ball beyond the reach of Leon Pohls, an alert linesman was quick to raise his flag and the 'goal' ruled out.
Rovers really should have moved into the driving seat in the 20th minute when Aaron Greene scampered clear following a high ball from defence.
However, in the subsequent one-on-one situation, Maher made a decisive block and when the ball broke to Richie Towell his goal bound effort was whipped off the goal-line by Doherty much to the delight of the
Read on irishexaminer.com