Champions Clash: Larne vs Shamrock Rovers
It isn’t often two champions from the same island clash in European competition, but that’s what happened tonight in the Conference League. The competition was designed to help smaller clubs pit the best against the best from either side of the border.
Reigning League of Ireland champions Shamrock Rovers took a break from their gripping title fight and made the short trip north to Belfast to take on Larne, a side from a town with a population of just 18,000 that have burst onto the scene in the NIFL Premier Division.
Shamrock Rovers’ Balancing Act
Stephen Bradley’s men knew a win would bag them a cool €400,000 along with the opportunity to climb the Conference League table towards qualification. This game, along with the visit of The New Saints to Tallaght, would have been targeted with points in mind.
Although this game was the best chance for Rovers to get points, Bradley had one eye on Sunday’s game at Dundalk. A point made clear by his decision to leave regulars Jack Byrne, Dylan Watts and Gary O’Neill on the bench at kick-off.
The Hoops are in their second European campaign in three years. Qualification has become an integral part of the Hoops development in recent years. Despite producing an underwhelming season by their high standards domestically, they have hit form at the right time and the next month represented a massive chance to show their quality on both fronts.
Larne’s Dream Debut
Larne, on the other hand, are the first Northern Irish team to compete in a group/league stage; their rise has been truly remarkable. Larne have been financially backed by local businessman Bruce, they have shot from the first division of the Irish League right to European competition. A fact that, just ten years ago, the majority of Larne supporters would have laughed at.
Apart from the riches on the line, there was plenty of pride on the line. A chance for the best of each league to test themselves against the top side on the other side of the border. While there will always be a small amount of political tension pushed by certain sections of both sides, Thursday night passed off without too many issues from the vast majority of supporters.
Supporters Soak Up Athmosphere
In the 18,500 capacity Windsor Park, Larne’s adopted home for the night, there were 5,400 in attendance. 1,600 supporters had made the trip up from Dublin on trains, buses, and cars. The novelty of a European away day just up the road enticing many to take an extra long bank holiday weekend.
The other 4,000 thousand filled out the main stand in support of the home side., ready to witness first-hand arguably the biggest game in their club’s history. A small section tried to build atmosphere with songs and drums to counter the noise coming from the away end.
Over the other side of the ground, after gathering around Belfast, Hoops fans were funnelled from Adelaide train station through astro pitches to their away section. It comprised a whole upper tier of the stadium but, to the annoyance of many, just two refreshment stands.
A One-Sided Affair
Long queues at these stands meant many were still making their way up the stairs when Rovers took the lead just two minutes in through Josh Honohan. Graham Burke’s meandering run from midfield was a sign of things to come as the game developed into an extremely one sided affair. The Northern Irish champions have lost a few players and are still finding their feet this season; unfortunately for them, Rovers are well in their stride as their season comes to a climax.
Johnny Kenny added a second before a VAR check resulted in a third Rovers goal within half an hour and a final nail in Larne’s coffin. Supporters of the Inver Reds will be extremely disappointed in what was quite an abject display as they handed Graham Burke the freedom of Windsor Park. They just didn’t look to be at the races.
They did catch the Hoops out after the break to salvage some pride, but Burke got his well-deserved goal to seal the deal and earn his man of the match award. Retired Rovers goalkeeper Alan Mannus looked on in the away section as his former side cruised towards victory.
Larne Don’t Turn Up
A gulf in quality was evident for all to see on Thursday, one that may dishearten Irish League supporters who hoped their champions could give their counterparts a run for their money on the big stage. Despite the best efforts of the enthusiastic PA announcer, there wasn’t a lot to get excited about. While qualification itself is a big step forward, there looks to be some way to go if they are to get results regularly.
Rovers meanwhile have set themselves up nicely for a big two weeks in which they could pip Shelbourne and Derry city to the title and get another massive three points in Europe at home to TNS.
Good Signs For Irish Football
This was a great occasion for Irish football all-round. A chance for clubs from both sides of the border to show their passion in Europe the way the Conference League intends. A sign of development on both sides to have their respective champions compete on the continental stage.
Both sets of supporters will hope to have more days out like this soon.
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