europa league: shamrock rovers 3 Progrès Niederkorn 0
PAT FENLON is already planning a Scnadinavian scoutig mission to try and make sure that Shamrock Rovers' stay in Europe this summer is a lengthy one.
The Hoops enjoyed a 3-0 win in the secon leg of their Europa League first qualifying round tie with Luxembourg side Progrès Niederkorn last night, first half goals from Dave Webster and Kieran Marty Watters setting Pat Fenlon's men on the way before Watters added his second after the break.
Progress past Progrès gives Rovers another €200,000 payday and they're almost certain to face Norwegian opposition for the first time - the Hoops face the winners of the tie between Moldovan side Sheriff and Norway's Odds BK - the Norwegians take a 3-0 lead into their home leg tomorrow night, a game which Fenlon will attend.
"I plan to have a look, see how is best to get there, get to see the game tomorrow. The Norwegian team are 3-0 up so you'd expect them to get through, they also play Rosenborg on Sunday so that gives us a chance to see them again. I would like to see them twice if I can, it gives you a better handle on them," said Fenlon, who expects a stiff test from Odd in their home town of Skien (130km from Oslo).
"They are a good side, we watched the first leg and they were very good in the game, very sharp, their movement and work-rate were very good. We know we are in for a hard night.
"I'm pleased to be in the next round and it was a good performance from us. They started the game positively and went for it early on so we're delighted to get through. It doesn't happen too many times in Europe that you get two clean sheets in two games so we're delighted with that," he added.
The intense heat in Luxembourg last week may have stifled Rovers but they were more at home on a soggy, grey night in Tallaght and by half time they were on their way to their first home win in seven European ties.
Progrès had a number of half-chances before Rovers took the lead on 21 minutes. Defender Webster picked a good time to score his first goal of the season, Webster side-footing the ball home after Brandon Miele knocked on a Watters free kick.
Watters gave Rovers that 2-0 lead just before the break, a touch of fortune about the goal as keeper Sabastian Flauss dropped Simon Madden's cross and Watters was left free to tap home. Watters netted the best goal of the night on 57 minutes. Simon Madden started the move, Patrick Cregg and Mikey Drennan played the middlemen, and Watters was unmarked to finish well.