ROVERS HIT TOP GEAR

Bradley's men climb to summit with nervy victory

- BY MARK McCADDEN

SHAMROCK Rovers are back on top of the Premier Division after a win over basement boys Waterford that should have been more convincing.

Relying on Graham Burke's 103rd goal in green and white, however, made for a nervy close to the game as the Blues pushed for an equaliser.

Burke scored in the 25th minute on a night when Rovers created chance after chance, only to be foiled by goalkeeper Arlo Doherty, the woodwork and some wayward finishing.

At times it looked like a training game, as the visitors struggled to get out of their own half.

Jack Byrne dominated the early stages as he pinged the ball around. Burke was imperious, Victor Ozhianvuna popped up all over the pitch and Adam Brennan found plenty of space on the left.

But while the chances were coming, the scoreboard didn't reflect the gulf between the two sides and that meant Rovers hearts were in mouths whenever Waterford attacked late on.

Brennan was first to try his luck, but he fired narrowly over after just four minutes.

Moments later Jake Mulraney charged into the Waterford area, where a heavy touch invited goalkeeper Doherty to advance and collect the ball.