U19 v Shels on Sat

This weekend sees Shamrock Rovers stage their first home game of the FAI Airtricity League Under 19 Elite Division when they take on Shelbourne at Tallaght Stadium.

The Hoops got off to a fine start last Sunday when they came away from Belfield with a 4-3 win against UCD and manager Declan Hevey is looking to his young charges to build on that success.

On last Sunday’s game Hevey says: “We started the game really well and showed plenty of enthusiasm but instead of capitalising on our lead we became too excited and didn’t keep on attacking. We showed some naivety and opened up the game for UCD but it was pleasing to see that we got the balance right between attacking and defending and did well towards the end to secure the points. Under a lot of pressure, our lads showed good defensive qualities to see the game out.”

The Hoops manager added that it was a strange sort of game in which Rovers could have led by 8-0 or eventually finished level at 4-4. But Belfield is history and attention now turns to the visit of old rivals Shelbourne. “Shels are always a disciplined unit; they began their campaign with a draw against a highly-fancied Waterford side and this will not be an easy game.

“We have a squad of twenty-two; we used thirteen against UCD, we have other players who are very eager to make their competitive debut for the club.”

Hevey is calling on all Hoops fans to consider taking the game in this Saturday. “We would like to get off to a good start at Tallaght Stadium and we are hoping for a good crowd to come along and support our young team.”

Kick off is at 2pm on Saturday and admission is free.