Republic of Ireland round-up: Rovers rampant
Saturday, January 26, 2002
Article summary
Shamrock Rovers FC went top of the FAI National League with a 5-1 win against Longford Town FC.
Article body
Shamrock Rovers FC stormed to the top of the FAI National League with a 5-1 win against Longford Town FC.
Bizarre own-goal
A bizarre own-goal from Longford’s Wes Byrne gave the home side an eighth-minute lead at Flancare Park and the Dublin side never looked back as they continually harassed the visitors’ defence. Tony Grant slammed home a rebound for Shamrock's second after 21 minutes and although an Eric Lavine strike nine minutes from half-time gave Longford hope, their hosts piled on the misery in the second half.
Emphatic victory
Any hopes of a Longford comeback evaporated after 68 minutes when Sean Francis chipped goalkeeper Stephen O'Brien for Rovers’ third goal, and the Dubliners finished the game with a flourish as Billy Woods scored twice in the 79th and 88th minutes to make it 5-1.
