Skopje v Shamrock Rovers player ratings as Hoops…

Skopje v Shamrock Rovers player ratings as Hoops secure group stage football

Alan Mannus: He commanded his area, saved a couple of shots that bounced right in front of him and was calmness personified on a night where the stakes were so high. Didn’t let a couple of early blocks on his drop-kicks fluster him. 8

Dan Cleary: Produced a good block to deny Adetunji’s 30th minute shot and then put his body on the line with an important challenge on the same man shortly after half-time. Settled quickly into the Rovers defence. 7

Sean Hoare: His fearless challenge on 52 minutes stopped a dangerous Trapanovski charge into the area. Rovers’ defence was outstanding and Hoare was no exception. 7

Lee Grace: Shkupi’s early attacks were often frustrated by Grace’s excellent reading of the game and timing of his challenges. Dominant in the air and on the ground. 8

Ronan Finn: He will be kicking himself over his 21st minute booking, which rules him out of the first-leg against Ferencvaros. Twice teed up scoring opportunities for Richie Towell. 7

Richie Towell: One of the biggest goal threats in the first half, with one effort saved by the keeper and another blocked on the line. Turned into trouble on 16 minutes in a dangerous area but otherwise tracked back well. 7

Gary O’Neill: Came up with a brilliant intervention on the edge of the area to deny a shooting chance to Shkupi’s dangerman Adetunji on the stroke of half-time. 7

Andy Lyons: Didn’t have the same attacking impact he had in last week’s game, when he won the penalty for Shamrock Rovers’ opener. 6

Dylan Watts: Excellent passing from the attacking midfielder and strong in the challenge too. 8

Aaron Greene: Linked up really well with Gaffney in attack and was unlucky not to find the net on a couple of first-half occasions. A typically selfless running effort. 7

Rory Gaffney: Deserved the goal that capped another outstanding attacking display. Hit the post early on and provided teammates with chances thanks to his wonderful hold-up play and excellent choice and weight of pass. 9

SUBS :

Graham Burke (for Towell 62): What an impact from the Ireland international. Two assists in his half-hour cameo. 8

Sean Gannon (for Finn 68): Came on and helped shore up the right-hand side for Rovers. 6

Sean Kavanagh (for Gaffney 69): Was caught out for Skhupi’s injury-time consolation goal. 5

Aidomo Emakhu (for Greene 81): Another big European goal for the Hoops youngster. 7

Neil Farrugia (for Lyons 81): Didn’t have many opportunities to attack in his short time on the pitch. 5

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