Republic of Ireland round-up: Season ends in drama
Sunday, January 26, 2003
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Shamrock Rovers FC gained a UEFA Intertoto Cup spot with a dramatic 3-2 victory against Longford Town FC.
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Shamrock Rovers FC secured qualification for this summer's UEFA Intertoto Cup after a dramatic 3-2 victory against Longford Town FC in the final series of games in the Irish Premier Division's first 'summer' season.
Molloy winner
Needing victory to ensure third position and the qualification spot, Shamrock Rovers raced into a 2-0 lead with goals from Stephen Grant and Shane Robinson either side of half-time. However, in a frenetic final five minutes Longford strikers Eric Lavine and Adrian Murphy scored within seconds of each other to bring the game back on level terms. But Shamrock overs won a penalty just a minute from time when Longford's captain Vinny Perth handled the ball on the goal-line and was duly sent off before Trevor Molloy converted the spot kick.
Draw saves Derry
Derry City FC ensured they retained Premier Division status as they held champions Bohemian FC 2-2. Simon Webb's 33rd-minute penalty put home side Bohemians ahead, but Sean Hargan and Gary Beckett scored for Derry early in the second half. Irish Under-21 international Jason McGuinness equalised with 22 minutes left but the visitors held on - and learned they had survived as news came through that Drogheda United FC had drawn 0-0 with Saint Patrick's Athletic FC.
Play-off for Drogheda
Drogheda's draw sends them into a play-off for the remaining top-flight place. They will meet Cobh Ramblers FC, fourth in the first division, in the semi-finals, with the winners facing either Finn Harps FC or Galway United FC, second and third respectively in the second flight.
Cork run ends
Elsewhere, already relegated Bray Wanderers AFC, who will be replaced by first division champions Waterford United FC, were beaten 2-0 at UEFA Cup-bound runners-up Shelbourne FC on Friday night, while Cork City FC lost their unbeaten home record as they lost 1-0 against University College Dublin FC, Alan Gallen's first goal of the season ensuring their top-flight status for next term, which will run from April to October.
