Shamrock Rovers are into the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League following their 4-3 aggregate victory over Norwegian side SK Brann.
With the tie very much in the balance after a 2-2 draw in Bergen last week, the home side knew avoiding defeat would send them through.
However, the away side took the lead just before the hour mark when Ivory Coast striker Daoada Bamba capitalised on a Rovers error to round Mannus in the Rovers goal to score.
Rovers upped the tempo, springing Dan Carr and Aaron McEneff from the bench, as they went in search of goals. Almost immediately midfield maestro Jack Byrne, once on the books of Premier League giants Manchester City, equalised.
WATCH:
Simply beautiful turn & finish from @Jackb_8 to put Rovers back ahead in the tie 😍😍😍
LIVE now on eir sport 1! #LOIinEurope pic.twitter.com/Y6dsBtbh12
— eir Sport (@eirSport) July 18, 2019
Byrne arrived into the box, turned and placed a wonderful effort past Opdal in the Brann goal, as Rovers took control of the tie. Substitute Gary O’Neill wrapped up the victory three minutes from time after great hold up play from Carr, who played the ball to Byrne who in turn played O’Neill in, and he made no mistake to send Stephen Bradley’s side into the next round.
WATCH:
Good finish from Gary O'Neill after a brilliant counter attack as Rovers take the lead on the night and surely secure their place in the next round. #LOIinEurope pic.twitter.com/WaunmH4j0g
— eir Sport (@eirSport) July 18, 2019
Rovers will next face Cypriot side Apollon Limassol, who beat Lithuanian side FK Kauno Zalgiris 6-0 on aggregate. 31 year-old Argentine striker Emilio Jose Zelaya scored a hat-trick for Limassol in their 4-0 second leg win.
Photo Credit: Shamrock Rovers FC