Shamrock Rovers had another European night to remember after their spirited fightback salvaged a dramatic draw against APOEL in the Europa Conference League.
Rovers - who were playing at home - barely touched the ball in the opening 15 minutes but were rarely threated by their Cypriot opponents throughout the first-half.
The task became increasingly difficult for Rovers when star winger Neil Farrugia was dismissed after just 50 minutes, picking up a second yellow card.
His first card came for his reaction to a foul prior to the interval, before he was sent packing for a foul on Marquinhos to the left of the penalty box.
"That is soft, it would seem." 🗣️
Shamrock Rovers' Neil Farrugia is shown a second yellow card and sent off 🟥 pic.twitter.com/lKv4YdIjuC— Premier Sports Ireland (@PremSportsIRL) October 3, 2024
Goalkeeper Leon Pohls was then drawn into a wonder save from a header but it was from the resulting corner that APOEL made their breakthrough.
APOEL again showed their dominance in the air and it was Konstantinos Laifis who powered home the header to give his side the lead.
Bedlam at Tallaght Stadium as Shamrock Rovers salvage late draw
Rovers' chances to equalise were few and far between until Dylan Watts headed the home side level at Tallaght Stadium with the clock in the red.
Substitute Jack Byrne - who had a short stint with APOEL - delivered a beautiful corner kick and Watts headed into the far corner to send the Dublin venue in raptures.
Late scenes in Tallaght! 😱
Ten-man @ShamrockRovers equalise in added-time as Dylan Watts heads in ☘️ pic.twitter.com/h57bndmuoi— Premier Sports Ireland (@PremSportsIRL) October 3, 2024
The 1-1 draw gets Rovers on the board in the Europa Conference League this season and is a statement with some easier fixtures yet to come.
They will turn their attention back to their League of Ireland clash with league leaders Shelbourne this Sunday but are sure to take momentum from this result.
