HOOPS ROLL ON THE ROCK

SHAMROCK Rovers yesterday smashed another European record and took a big step towards even more continental glory with a first-leg demolition of St Joseph's.

- BY MARK MCCADDEN

The Hoops were 1-0 up at halftime, but a flurry of substitutions saw them storm to their biggest ever away win in Europe.

Shortly after Danny Mandroiu doubled their advantage, he was replaced by recent signing John McGovern, and he was less than two minutes on the pitch when he added to the scoreline.

That goal was created and finished by three of Stephen Bradley's changes - with Aaron McEneff and Michael Noonan involved in the buildup.

And another replacement, Jack Byrne, made it four with the finish of the evening from 20 yards.

Once again, the strength of Rovers' squad has been highlighted.

Last weekend, Bradley made a quintuple substitution to close out their FAI Cup win over Wexford.

That depth - plus the addition of Connor Malley on-loan from Sligo Rovers - will be key to the Hoops going all the way to the league phase, as they did last year on a record-breaking run.