'ROCK HARD

It was Rovers' turn to show their grit in a thrilling derby draw

- BY MICHAEL SCULLY

AFTER a week of comebacks that hurt Shamrock Rovers they produced one of their own to share the spoils with Damien Duff's tigerish champions in a thrilling Dublin derby in Tallaght.

Rocked by 3-2 losing to Bohs' Easter Monday rising at the same venue after conceding a late equaliser at St Pat's last Friday, the Hoops were in control against Shels at the break last night.

Matt Healy's 28th minute goal - his first for the club since his close season move from Belgium was the platform for Stephen Bradley's side to go hunting for more either side of the break.

They couldn't add to their advantage but Shels looked to be in an even tighter spot when they lost the in-form Kerr Mclnroy and centre-half Sam Bone to injury in the 51st minute.

However McInroy's replacement Ali Coote pounced with his first touch within moments of the restart, and Mipo Odubeko put Duff's Reds in front five minutes later.

Rovers, who conceded three in the final 26 minutes against Bohs, found another gear and Daniel Cleary fired home from close range to level it up again. It was Rovers who came closest in the final stages but both sides had to be content with a point earned - and two lost.