Shamrock Rovers have advanced to the next stage of qualification for the Europa League.
Stephen Bradley’s side earned a 2-1 win over SK Brann at Tallaght Stadium on Thursday night, going through with an aggregate victory of 4-3. They held the advantage in the tie after recording a 2-2 draw away to the Norwegian team last week.
Rovers fell behind in the second leg at Tallaght Stadium, conceding a sloppy goal. But they rallied late and scored through a smart finish by Jack Byrne.
Gary O’Neill made sure of the victory with a goal at the death. They will play Apollon Limassol of Cyprus in the next round of qualification.
On a difficult night for Irish sides in European competition, which saw Cork City and St Patrick’s Athletic exit the Europa League, Rovers were almost joining their compatriots in crashing out of the competition.
Karamoko Bamba put the Norwegians ahead in the 56th minute after some loose defending by the Hoops.
WATCH:
Here's the goal from Karamoko Bamba that has put SK Brann ahead on the night and in the tie at Tallaght Stadium. #LOIinEurope pic.twitter.com/UYy5Ca7iDf
— eir Sport (@eirSport) July 18, 2019
However, Rovers were level on the night back and ahead in the tie thanks to a wonderful goal by Byrne in the 77th minute.
The midfielder ghosted into the penalty area unmarked, took a touch with his left foot to control Ronan Finn’s pass, turned and buried the ball into the net with his right.
WATCH:
Simply beautiful turn & finish from @Jackb_8 to put Rovers back ahead in the tie 😍😍😍
LIVE now on eir sport 1! #LOIinEurope pic.twitter.com/Y6dsBtbh12
— eir Sport (@eirSport) July 18, 2019
O’Neill finished off a counter-attack late in the game to ensure Rovers’ place in the next round of qualifying for the Europa League.
The Hoops will host Apollon Limassol next Thursday.
WATCH:
Good finish from Gary O'Neill after a brilliant counter attack as Rovers take the lead on the night and surely secure their place in the next round. #LOIinEurope pic.twitter.com/WaunmH4j0g
— eir Sport (@eirSport) July 18, 2019
Earlier in the night, Cork beat FC Progres of Luxembourg 2-1 but went out after losing 3-2 on aggregate. St Pats lost 2-1 to IFK Norrkoping, 4-2 on aggregate.
They did, however, score a cracking goal on the night. Conor Clifford gave the travelling Pats supporters something to cheer with this stunning strike.
St Pats are going out of Europe, but this is a cracking goal from Conor Clifford 👏pic.twitter.com/eFn3hbZZE8
— Pundit Arena Football (@PAFootball_) July 18, 2019
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