A huge week in Shamrock Rovers' season kicked off in dramatic fashion on Tuesday evening as they survived a missed last-minute spot-kick from Vikingur to progress to the 2nd round of qualification for the Champions League.
It was not straightforward. Rovers lead 2-0 at halftime thanks to two Johnny Kenny goals. However Vikingur clawed their way back in and a Jack Byrne sending off meant the Icelandic side were in the ascendancy in the final phase of the game.
In then end, a tie between two well-matched teams was decided with a penalty for the Icelandic champions taken in the 98th minute of the game.
The responsibility fell on captain Nickolaj Hansen. Hoops goalkeeper Leon Pohls guessed the wrong way but his effort struck the post and went wide, much to the home crowd's delight.
Vikingur miss a penalty in the 98th minute in Tallaght to level their Champions League qualifier with Shamrock Rovers.
What drama.☘️pic.twitter.com/xsmPD1Vdux— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 16, 2024
Manager Stephen Bradley felt his side deserved the good fortune at the end:
When you’re down to 10 men, they’re a good side and you’re just hoping and praying he misses it.
But I think over the two legs we earned that bit of luck because the players were brilliant over there last week.
Not only was European progression at stake but the monetary value of getting to the next stage was huge. The possibility of the hoops banking at least €1.75million in UEFA prize money, while also guaranteeing themselves a Europa League third round spot, as well as a Conference League play-off tie should they lose that.
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European journey
Following a goalless draw in Iceland's capital last week, Stephen Bradley's side came into the tie knowing it was all to play for with European giants Slavia Prague awaiting the winners.
A crowd of 7,216 was in attendance for Rovers European tie at this stage last season against fellow Icelandic opposition Breidablik and the home team's fans were out in force Tuesday evening too, a bumper 7,632 turned out to roar the Hoops on
Rovers got off to a dream start after seven minutes with Johnny Kenny racing clear to put them ahead with their first attempt on the Reykjavik target. Kenny's pace had been hugely problematic a week ago in Reykjavik and it was again as he opened the scoring. The former Sligo rovers man was then on hand to double the lead just before the 20 minute mark to put the hoops in control of the tie.
Johnny’s on fire 🔥🤩#RoversInEurope | @sharp_security pic.twitter.com/WZ5aCGRWcd
— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) July 16, 2024
Manager Stephen Bradley was bullish in praising his striker post match:
Johnny Kenny, right now, is the best forward in the country by a mile. He had to learn a lot last year but everything has been pointing towards the season he’s having.
Vikingur Reykjavik started the 2nd half on the front foot and missed a golden opportunity from three yards out in the 48th minute to reduce the deficit. They did however get on the scoresheet on the hour mark through half time substitute Nikolaj Hansen to set up a nervy half hour for the record attendance.
The yellow cards began to mount up after half time and premier league referee Jarred Gillet showed Jack Byrne his marching orders in the 74th minute following his second yellow meaning a tense finish was in store.
More drama was to come and a penalty miss with the last kick of the game for Vikingur was the perfect ending for Stephen Bradley's men after a dramatic night in Tallaght.
Speaking afterwards, a delighted Bradley was keen to underline how much the victory meant to the team:
We spoke to the players before the game about creating special memories and they have done that. It’s a special night.
Rovers will face Sparta Prague in Tallaght next Tuesday, but have the safety net of a Europa League third round clash if they lose to the Czech side over two legs.
Bradley will know there will have to be a significant improvement on the performance to compete with the Czech champions when they come to Tallaght next Tuesday.
The European action means there is a pause in domestic action for Rovers: no doubt it's welcome for the defending champions as their form has been patchy, to say the least. A lacklustre season domestically will be all but forgotten if Rovers can continue their European journey though.
This is a possible turning point in a disappointing season to date, however the fact a historic fifth title in a row hinges on bridging a 13 point gap, cup success has taken an added importance. With a meeting with local rivals Bohemians in the FAI Cup on Friday, Bradley was quick to dismiss the idea that tonight's result may distract players preparations:
We also really want to be in the FAI Cup final and win the cup and that starts away to Bohemians on Friday, so that’s our focus.
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