Bradley happy with Rovers progress after Dundalk draw

After shipping three second half goals in last week’s loss away to Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers head coach Stephen Bradley was happier with his side’s defensive performance against Dundalk in the sides’ scoreless draw at the Tallaght Stadium.

Patrick Hoban’s opportunity around the hour mark apart, Bradley’s men restricted Dundalk’s front two, Hoban and Ronan Murray to half chances at best. “I thought defensively we were really strong -Ethan, Lee, Luke, Ally, Kevin. We looked really good in terms of discipline and concentration.”

Rovers did cough up one first half chance to central defender Daniel Cleary who was making his Dundalk debut and Michael Duffy did present some problems for Rovers right back Ethan Boyle. But Bradley was pleased that his defensive system didn’t yield to the 2015 and 2016 double champions. “We played as a back five, which we should do.”

Skipper Ronan Finn is Rovers only scorer in the league so far this season, so Bradley conceded his absence would be felt against the Lilywhites. “We know how good Ronan is, how important he is for us.”

David McAllister was a capable stand-in captain and ex-Cork City star Greg Bolger added his experience to the home midfield as Bradley opted for prudence over short-term gain. “Tonight, I just felt it was too much of a risk to take. His calf was tight. If we play him tonight, there’s a good chance it can go, and you miss him for eight weeks.”

Finn was held in reserve for the many challenges ahead over the course of a 36-game league campaign. “He’s an Important player for the group. One game is not worth that.”

The Hoops sit ninth in the early season table with just one point from two games, but Bradley isn’t pressing the panic button just yet. “We played well, yeah. I was happy with how we defended and how we played overall.”