Hoops put to the sword
Slovan Liberec 2-0 Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers must overcome a two-goal deficit after they were comfortably beaten in Czechoslovakia by Slovan Liberec in the Inter-Toto Cup.
Rovers were under incessant pressure from early on against the side which beat AC Milan in the home leg of a Champions League qualifier encounter 11-months ago.
Richie Byrne had to be alert to ensure that international striker Michal Pospisil was kept out as the home side went in search of an early strike.
It took just 11-minutes for the deadlock to be broken as centre back Tomas Zapotocny stole up to head home a well-taken corner. It could have been worse as the home side had an effort disallowed before it was 2-0 on 21-minutes.
The goal was slightly fortunate as David ****** broke free and his shot took a deflection off Stephan Grant and spun past the helpless Barry Ryan in the Rovers’ goal.
Grant later fired a shot which tested Slovan ‘keeper Kinsky’s hands but in reality Liam Buckley’s side were too busy defending to think of scoring a goal.
Ryan had to be at his best to keep the Czech forwards at bay as he twice thwarted midfielder Kolousek before the same player saw his shot cannon back off the upright with seconds remaining.
Slovan Liberec - Kinsky; Zapotoeny, Lukas, Holeoaka, Janu; Aneic, ******, Kolousek, Kisel; Holosko (Nezmar 59), Pospisil (Slepieka 89).
Shamrock Rovers - Ryan; Gough, Palmer, Byrne, Keddy; Robinson, Colwell (Doyle 74), Reynolds, S Grant; T Grant (Kelly 82), Fitzpatrick (Molloy 45).
Referee - L Karan (Armenia).
www.eleven-a-side.com
Bookmarks