Mild Rovers

HOOPS EASE INTO BREAK WITH SIX-POINT LEAD BUT A LACK OF PUNCH MAKES FOR FRUSTRATING NIGHT

- BY MARK McCADDEN

SHAMROCK Rovers couldn't take advantage of their nearest rivals Drogheda United dropping points last night, but they still head into the mid-season break with a six-point lead at the top of the Premier Division.

It was a frustrating evening for the Hoops against Galway United, as John Caulfield's side put up a solid defensive display.

Having lost four on the bounce before last weekend's win over Cork City, it was another confidence boost for the Tribesmen, particularly as it came against a side that had won their previous five games.

Heimir Hallgrímsson and John O'Shea turned up but, unfortunately for Josh Honohan, the same couldn't be said for the Rovers wing-back.

It was an uncharacteristically quiet night for the 24-year-old, thanks in a large part to the performance of Galway United' Cameroonian full-back Jeannot Esua.

But Honohan has more than done enough over the past season and a half at Tallaght Stadium, both at home and in Europe, to merit the attention of the Ireland boss.