Shamrock Rovers have further strengthened their squad ahead of the 2021 season. Sean Hoare has made the switch from Oriel Park to Tallaght Stadium, signing with Rovers on a permanent deal. The defender scored against the Hoops only last week in the FAI Cup Final victory. The moves marks the end of his successful career at Dundalk where he won two league titles and two FAI Cups.

Rovers manager Stephen Bradley expressed his delight with the signing: “He fits our type of profile for a defender and he’s very versatile. He’s a good age as well so he’s one we’ve liked for quite some time.”

Veteran midfielder Chris McCann also joins the league winners. McCann boasts an impressive C.V. having spent time at Burnley, Wigan Athletic and MLS side Atlanta United, where he won the MLS Cup.

Despite interest from England, McCann opted for Dublin and is an acquisition that “can improve us (Rovers) as a team and as a squad and make us better” according to Bradley.

The post Double Swoop for Shamrock Rovers appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Aviva Stadium was the setting as Dundalk took on Arsenal in their final Europa League game of this campaign. Having just won the FAI Cup at the weekend, the Lilywhites would have been in good spirits going into the game, despite being already eliminated from qualifying. They produced a respectable, spirited display but Dundalk finished the group stage with 0 points as Arsenal claimed a 4-2 victory.

Unfortunately for Dundalk, it didn’t take Arsenal long to get going. Eddie Nketiah found the net after 12 minutes. The goal came as a result of a mistake from defender Andy Boyle, his clearance was closed down by the Arsenal striker before he closed down on goal and finished calmly into the net.

They had their second just minutes later. This time it was a wonderstrike. Mohamed Elneny struck from well outside the box and the ball floated into the top corner, leaving no chance for Gary Rogers.

With the scoreline at 2-0 after 18 minutes, most would have expected a long night for Dundalk. That wasn’t the case, though. Dundalk didn’t panic and got their own back in the 22^nd minute. The goalscorer was Jordan Flores and it was a typical strike from him. He picked up a loose ball before playing a 1-2 with Michael Duffy and smashing into the back of the net from just inside the box.

Opportunities were few and far between afterwards, but Dundalk very nearly equalized in the dying embers of the first half. Darragh Leahy got on the end of a cross and his shot appeared to be goal bound, but it was blocked and went out for a corner which led to nothing.

The first half finished 2-1 to Arsenal but Dundalk should have been proud of their first half display. Despite being outclassed in the beginning of the game, they came back and didn’t look out of place despite the difference in reputation between the two teams.

Dundalk started the second as they ended the first by matching Arsenal in quality and producing a handful of decent attacking moves, albeit without any chances.

Their hard work was all but undone in the 67^th minute, though. Joe Willock scored for Arsenal after a succession of defensive mistakes/frailties from Dundalk. Despite not being a natural goalscorer, Willock also netted against Dundalk in October.

Arsenal got their 4^th of the night in the 79^th minute. Young striker Folarin Balogun was the scorer. He was afforded far too much space as he was playing in before he coolly slotted past Gary Rogers.

Dundalk deserved to decrease the deficit given their display on the night and they did so in the 85^th minute. Sean Hoare rose highest to meet a free kick with the back of his head which ended up in the back of the net.

The match finished 4-2 as Dundalk’s Europa League campaign ended while Arsenal advanced to the knockout stage. The scoreline was perhaps slightly harsh on Dundalk who remained competitive for much of the match.

FT: Dundalk FC 2-4 Arsenal ⁣
⁣
The curtain comes down on our UEFA Europa League Group B campaign – and an eventful season – with a spirited display against Arsenal at the Dublin Arena.⁣ The lads did us proud tonight. Great effort.

@sportsfile ⁣
⁣#CmonTheTown #UEL pic.twitter.com/teQF6bUfae

— DundalkFC (@DundalkFC) DECEMBER 10, 2020

The post Dundalk defeated by Arsenal in final Europa League group game appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Aviva Stadium was the venue this evening as Shamrock Rovers took on Dundalk in the FAI Cup final. Both teams also contested last year’s final, with Shamrock Rovers winning on penalties that time around. There was to be no change in fortunes this year as Rovers retained their title.

The match itself was an edgy, but entertaining affair. Both teams defended well for large periods of the first half, limiting the opposition to half chances.

The second half was a different story, however. Both teams appeared more open leading to a succession of chances for both teams.

Rovers drew first blood with a goal in the 49^th minute. Aaron Greene struck for the Tallaght side after being played in by a Lee Grace header. Gary Rogers did his very best to close down the striker but his efforts didn’t pay off as Greene headed comfortably into the net.

Despite Rover’s second half domination, Dundalk managed to equalize in the 68^th minute. David McMillan controlled a cross into the box before finishing low off the post and into the back of the net.

In another surprise twist, Dundalk were awarded a penalty in the 70^th minute. Liam Scales was the culprit as he was deemed to have held his man unfairly in the box. David McMillan stepped up to take the penalty and he made no mistake as he finished low into the bottom right corner.

Shamrock Rovers’ scored the equalizer in the 73^rd minute to end a frantic few minutes of football. Roberto Lopes thumped a header into the left-hand corner from a Jack Byrne corner. A cup final goal was a fitting end to Lopes’ year. The Cape Verde international has had a fantastic season, leading to a nomination for PFAI Player of the Year.

Both teams attacked with intent thereafter but neither could find the equalizer in regular time. 90 minutes finished with the sides level on 2-2.

After a handful of chances for both teams, Dundalk scored the first goal in extra time. The goal came in the 110^th minute and through an unlikely source. Seán Hoare was the goalscorer after the ball fell to his feet from a free kick. He dispatched coolly into the corner to put his side in the lead.

It was all but over for Shamrock Rovers in the 116^th minute as David McMillan got his hat trick goal to make it 4-2. McMillan deservedly picked up man of the match in an outstanding striker’s performance.

David McMillan’s goal would prove to be the last. The match finished 4-2 to Dundalk after extra time. Tonight’s victory marks Filippo Giovagnoli’s first taste of silverware as Dundalk manager.

FULL-TIME!!!! 4-2!!! WE WIN THE CUP!!!!! YASSSSSSSSSSS!!! #CmonTheTown

— DundalkFC (@DundalkFC) DECEMBER 6, 2020

The post Dundalk defeat Shamrock Rovers to win FAI Cup final appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.