1-Oct-2002

Under 21's Lose To Rovers

KILDARE County's Under 21 side suffered just their second league defeat in unfortunate Circumstances against Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght's Postal Grounds on Sunday.

Eddie Moen's young Thoroughbreds were twice caught on breaks to hand the Hoops a victory they hardly deserved.

Rovers took the lead in the 15th minute when Mark O'Brien ran through to lob Gareth Byrne after the Hoops had cleared a Kildare corner moments earlier.

Byrne was playing his first ever competitive game in County colours after a nightmare start to his Thoroughbreds career and the keeper showed no ill-effects following recent knee cartilige surgery.

Most impressive for Kildare County was 18-year-old Ken Darker who led the line superbly, linking play well and winning headers.

The biggest disappointment for Moen's side was their inability to hit the net for the first time this season, although Rovers keeper Shane Davoren was far more the busy goalkeeper.

Rovers extended their lead five minutes from time when County's defence was caught on the break after Rovers cleared a Tommy Dunne throw-in and John O'Neill ran through to round Tadhg Murphy before slotting home.

There were other impressive displays for County from young central defensive partners Eoin Hetherington and Shaun Tobin.

County face Bray Wanderers at Clonkeen College next Sunday.

KILDARE COUNTY - Gareth Byrne; Mick Harnett, Tommy Dunne, Eoin Hetherington, Shaun Tobin, Bryan Byrne, Derek Griffin, Barry Burke, Shane D'Arcy, Kevin Finn, Ken Darker. Subs - Tadhg Murphy & Damien Smyth for Byrne & Finn 46 mins; Michael Daly for Harnett 74 mins.

email:

Choose Year - Search News - Latest News

---