Shamrock Rovers European dream comes to an end after shootout defeat
Shamrock Rovers hopes of reaching the Europa Conference League last 16 were crushed.
After 10-man Molde won a 5-4 penalty shootout to advance after the game finished 1-1 on aggregate following the Norwegians’ 1-0 win.
Rovers were hoping to become the first League of Ireland club to reach the last 16 of a UEFA competition, but a mistake under difficult windy conditions allowed Magnus Wolff Eikrem to net a 10th-minute opener and draw the sides level 1-1 on aggregate.
Molde were left shorthand. After Isak Amundsen was sent off with second yellow card in second half stoppage time.
But Rovers failed to capitalise on the man advantage and the single goal they required still eluded them after extra time.
The hosts conceded after miscommunication led to no one dealing with a long ball over the top – perhaps also misread due to the windy conditions – allowing it to bounce dangerously towards Rovers keeper Edward McGinty, who came off his line to punch it away.
But the ball only made it as far as Eikrem. Who drilled in the opener, which stood after a VAR check.
Rovers wanted a penalty when Aaron McEneff was through on goal. Tumbled over Jacob Karlstrom. Who had come out. But his effort continued to สมัคร UFABET วันนี้ รับเครดิตฟรีสำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ trickle towards the goal-line. Where it was hooked away by Martin Linnes.
There was a pause to check VAR. But referee ultimately not directe toward screens and nothing was given.
The hosts again shout. When Michael Noonan brought down under pressure. But their protests were dismiss.