Just back from the match. There were supposed to have been 4,500 at it, according to Today FM, which I think was about right, but there were a hell of a lot more at the Bohs game, which was also given a 4,500 attendance.
Rovers looked hungry in the first half, but, although we were missing Crawford and Gannon, our defence, with Doherty and Macca, the twin peaks, looked solid enough. We gave them a few half-chances which better strikers might have punished, but they looked timid in front of goal.
As usual, though, that gobshyte McKeon was not content to let the game take its natural course, but was determined to ruin it as a spectator spectacle. He'd order frees to be re-taken a yard from where they originally had been. Jason Byrne made an inocuous enough challenge on the Rovers left back, who reacted by swinging a punch. McKeon took no action against Rovers, but sent off Jayo. This infuriated everyone, and a few minutes later Fenlon was sent from the dugout, presumably for something he said to the fourth official.
Geogo scored the goal. The ball was knocked out of Rovers defence to Bomber on the right. Their defenders seemed to anticipate a cross and were rooted to the spot when he threaded a ball through to Geogo, who turned it past Ryan.
Lateon in the half, Shels were playing the ball out of defence, when Wes [who, frankly, had a brutal game] was fouled off the ball. McKeon naturally missed it. The ball broke to Rovers and a through ball seemed to set Stephen Grant through on goal. Dave Crawley upended him in the area, and McKeon pointed to the spot. Or was he pointing for a goal kick. Anyway, he changed his mind, and gave a corner instead. It was Rovers turn to go mad.
Second half was purely trying to survive with ten men, though Rovers didn't really put us under any great pressure. Ger McCarthy came on as a sub. His first touch is a bit suspect, but I love him. He's a great feller for coming on when you're 1-0 up and need to take pressure off your defence. He'll pick the ball up, hoof it towards the corner flag and hare after it. The most a defender can do is put it out for a throw.
Stewie Byrne came on as a late sub after a long injury. Great to have him back.
Another brave performance from the lads. I'm not saying we deserved a win, but our courage reaped rewards. Again.
