Shamrock Rovers were soundly beaten 3-0 in their Europa Conference League group game clash away to Gent this evening.
While Gent were heavy favourites, Shamrock Rovers did themselves no favours with some of their defending in the first half.
The Belgians came out strongly and dominated the opening exchanges, getting the breakthrough after just nine minutes, after a tidy finish through a couple of defenders from Hugo Cuypers.
Another nine minutes passed and Rovers found themselves two goals down, and staring at a heavy defeat. While it was a classy volleyed finish from the edge of the box by Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe, the chance was presented to them by some shocking defending.
After trying to play it out from their own box, they were dispossessed, before a scramble ensued and the ball fell to feet of Odjidja-Ofoe.
Poor Defending From Shamrock Rovers Lets Them Down
Oh dear.
Gent make it 2-0.
A terrible goal for Rovers to concede. #RoversInEurope | #UECL pic.twitter.com/OyA0bouGgB— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) September 15, 2022
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Shamrock Rovers grew into the game, and had a successful spell in the second-half, which almost culminated in a goal for Jack Byrne, as his shot from just outside the box missed the crossbar by inches.
However, it was one of those nights, and seconds later Gent were up the other end of the pitch with Odjidja-Ofoe grabbing his second of the game after a beautiful outside of the foot finish into the top corner.
Improved Second Half From Shamrock Rovers
Gent make it 3-0.
Captain Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe gets his second. #RoversInEurope | #UECL pic.twitter.com/Aw6hCogbt7— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) September 15, 2022
Huge chance for Rovers!
Gent keeper Paul Nardi kicks the ball at his own player on the ground. Greene gets it and feeds Gaffney who squanders the chance!
The Gent players not happy with Aaron Greene.#RoversInEurope | #UECL pic.twitter.com/0QlYC6y8Fx— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) September 15, 2022
Rovers then had their best chance of the game soon after. Gent's keeper Paul Nardi was attempting to put the ball out of play with a teammate down, however he hit said teammate in the back before the ball landed to Rory Gaffney with just the keeper to beat.
Nardi duly made up for his error with a classy save, and Gent held out for a comfortable 3-0 win.
The result leaves Shamrock Rovers last in their group with one point, with Gent in first on four.
Rovers' next game is away to Molde on October 6.
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