Advertisement League of Ireland Horse Racing TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Behind the Lines Sportswriters discuss their careers and the work that inspires them. Rugby Weekly Extra Dive into all the news and analysis 3 times a week The Football Family Weekly insights from the week’s big talking points Advertisement More Stories Sean Boyd attempts to control in the air.Laszlo Geczo/INPHO Freespoils shared Early drama and constant tension as Shamrock Rovers dig in for draw with Shelbourne Harry Wood gave champions lead after two minutes before Aaron McEneff equaliser soon after gave Hoops first point of season. 9.49pm, 28 Feb 2025 Share options David Sneyd reports from Tolka Park Shelbourne 1 Shamrock Rovers 1 THERE WAS EARLY drama, and the tension was a constant, but Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers could not be separated. This 1-1 draw keeps the champions six points clear of the Hoops. They know now that even on the last day of February they cannot give Damien Duff’s side a run on them. Harry Wood’s goal after two minutes threatened to do just that before Aaron McEneff pounced on a mix-up to draw the sides level. It was the goal that proved enough for a draw, their first point of the season after losing their opener to Bohemians and the postponement of last weekend’s game with Cork City. A point here will give Stephen Bradley something to build on as his Rovers side attempt to avoid the kind of slow start they failed to recover from last season. Shels have dropped points for the first time – three games in – but there was still more than enough to be encouraged by here. They’re champions now, and no longer come into this fixture feeling like the plucky underdog trying to bloody the nose of a stronger rival. No surprise, so, that they fizzed with a verve and confidence from the start, and taking the lead thanks to a simple corner routine. Advertisement Rovers either switched off or were happy for Kameron Ledwidge to be the one connecting with a volley on the edge of the box from Kerr McInroy’s delivery. It zipped through bodies in the area before Roberto Lopes attempted a block which fell to Wood six yards out. He took one touch to control and another to prod home to send Tolka into raptures. He has form for being lethal from such distances. The league-winning goal in Derry last season may seem like a long time ago but this one felt like it might just go some way to maintaining She’s superiority over the deposed champions. Even when Lee Grace was forced off in the break of play after the goal – replaced in the back three by 18-year-old Cory O’Sullivan – Rovers regained composure swiftly. Aaron McEneff celebrates his goal.Laszlo Geczo / INPHO Laszlo Geczo / INPHO / INPHO Graham Burke was drifting across the front, picking the ball up in areas that Shels couldn’t seem to keep track of. It was his simple pass to keep Rovers moving down the right that allowed Josh Honohan float a cross into the box that should have been an easy to deal with. Instead, goalkeeper Conor Kearns came to collect but collided with his own defender, Paddy Barrett, spilling the ball into the path of McEneff who calmly stroked it home with his left foot. There were 16 minutes gone and back to square one; even stevens with quality and tension aplenty. Rovers began to take control in the middle – Dylan Watts, McEneff and Matt Healy dovetailing well. Penetration in the final third was lacking, though. Duff had to make a change before the equaliser when Sam Bone limped off, replaced by Liverpool loanee James Norris – nicknamed Chuck for those interested – who slotted in at left back with Kameron Ledwidge moving inside. Sean Boyd was booked for diving, Mark Coyle for stopping a counter attack, and Danny Grant for not allowing a quick re-start of play. There was needle and niggle but no more goals, not for the rest of the half or 9 Boyd flashed a sharp near-post header just wide before the break and five minutes after they returned Mipo Odubeko arrowed a fierce shot a yard or two over the bar from about 15 yards. Duff bit down on his lip and looked to the skies. It was his side that showed the most intent in search of a winner. Norris was lively on that left side and five minutes before the end he raced onto a breaking ball in the box, using his momentum to blast a shot that would have left an indent on Rovers goalkeeper Ed McGinty’s chest. JJ Lunney and Ellis Chapman were sprung from the bench along with Ali Coote and John Martin in attack, but Rovers stood firm. It wasn’t quite an onslaught that they faced but Bradley’s side had to work for the draw. Dan Cleary swiped a dangerous Evan Caffrey cross away from the goal in the last act of real threat. Related Reads The power of risk inspires adventure of a lifetime for Drogheda United goalkeeper Shelbourne's most-used player under Damien Duff has come of age Stephen Kenny labels Ian Harte 'an empty vessel' in response to criticism Other than one Burke shot blocked by Barrett there was little to get worked up by in an attacking sense, although the return of Rory Gaffneya as a late sub after a lengthy injury absence could provide a timely boost. Something to build on for Rovers as Shels impressive early momentum is somewhat halted. For now. Shelbourne:Conor Kearns; Sean Gannon, Paddy Barrett, Sam Bone (James Norris 13), Kameron Ledwidge; Harry Wood (Ellis Chapman 68), Mark Coyle (captain) (Ali Coote 77), Kerr McInroy (JJ Lunney 68), Evan Caffrey; Sean Boyd (John Martin 77), Mipo Odubeko. Shamrock Rovers: Ed McGinty; Daniel Cleary, Roberto Lopes (captain), Lee Grace (Cory O’Sullivan 5); Josh Honohan, Matt Healy, Aaron McEneff, Dylan Watts (Gary O’Neill 79), Danny Grant; Graham Burke (Aaron Greene 75), Michael Noonan (Rory Gaffney 79). Referee: Neil Doyle David Sneyd Viewcomments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Early drama and constant tension as Shamrock Rovers dig in for draw with Shelbourne”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Early drama and constant tension as Shamrock Rovers dig in for draw with Shelbourne”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. 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Leave a commentcancel Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user View our policy ⚠️ Duplicate comment Post Comment have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Damien Duff League of Ireland Shamrock Rovers spoils shared Stephen Bradley News in 60 seconds Freehonours even Drogheda left frustrated by Galway Freehigh scoring Keena grabs brace against former club as St Pat's win seven-goal battle Freebright start Waterford prevail in Derry to go second Keating's late strike seals Cork City's first win of the season PSG loanee continues impressive start to life at Villa Bonus points all round as Munster stunned by Edinburgh in Cork FreeControversy Infantino defends Saudi Arabia World Cup and relationship with Trump Shelbourne v Shamrock Rovers, Cork City v Bohemians - LOI Premier Division Boyle returns to Leinster XV a week after his Ireland debut Bonus points all round as Munster stunned by Edinburgh in Cork Here's your essential TV guide for this weekend's live sport more from us Investigates Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The 42 supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. 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