TNS put in a strong performance against Irish runners-up Shamrock Rovers but
were ultimately undone by their opposition’s quality and European pedigree in a narrow
defeat.
Craig Harrison’s men took the lead through Jordan Williams, who put his name into the history books as the scorer of TNS’s first-ever away goal in the Conference League. The winger slotted home following a low Ryan Brobbel cross that was flicked on by Declan McManus.
The lead lasted less than 10 minutes, with on-loan Celtic striker Johnny Kenny, who was also the club’s top goalscorer in their recently finished season bursting through on goal, outmuscling his defender and powered home a finish off the bar.
A quarter of an hour later Shamrock Rovers would get the lead, with Dylan Watts getting on the end of a Darragh Burns cross, evading any marker and having an easy left-footed finish past the
helpless Connor Roberts.
TNS enjoyed some good spells of possession, with Rovers also looking dangerous in attack, but there were no more goals, and the game would end 2-1 for the home side. It was the first time in 18 attempts that Rovers had come back from a goal down to win a match.
TNS player ratings vs Shamrock Rovers
Connor Roberts – 6
Was equal to most of what Shamrock Rovers threw at him, without making any remarkable saves. Didn’t have a chance for either of the goals conceded.
Josh Daniels – 7
Looked comfortable in possession and largely had the better of his winger, despite being beaten a few times he put in a very strong performance and showed his quality.
Danny Davies – 5
Played pretty well and looked confident. The only slight mistake was for the first goal where he got outmuscled a bit too easily by Kenny but it was not necessarily bad play from him and more good forward play. Got booked for the most cynical foul you will ever see.
Jack Bodenham – 6
Was too deep at times but in general a relatively assured performance, made a couple of
good blocks.
Danny Redmond – 7
Won the most tackles (five) and the most duels (eight), showing his experience and class both
with the ball and without. Did not look out of place one bit against some very good
opposition.
Leo Smith – 6
Some good touches and dribbles but did lose the ball a couple of times in slightly dangerous positions. Not bad at all though and showed a bit more attacking threat in the second half.
Rory Holden – 7
Some good switches of play to send wingers free, looked tidy on the ball and despite coming off in the 68th minute was a strong performer for TNS. Hold-up play could have been better at times.
Dan Williams – 6
Didn’t get massively involved in the game both attacking or defensive, no real errors but also no real moments of note. Could be better could be worse.
Jordan Williams – 7
The goalscorer as well as the most threatening man on the pitch for TNS. Kept trying to make things happen and created two chances for his side, if not for losing the ball a little bit too much and missing a decent chance, Jordan may have got a higher rating.
Ryan Brobbel – 7
Oozed confidence on the ball, with his trademark switches of playmaking their way over to Europe. Plenty of composure when TNS needed it after spells of being under the cosh. Created the goal with a cross from nothing.
Ryan Brobbel – 7
Oozed confidence on the ball, with his trademark switches of playmaking their way over to Europe. Plenty of composure when TNS needed it after spells of being under the cosh. Created the goal with a cross from nothing.
Declan McManus – 6
Nice if not slightly fortunate flick for the goal, had good moments and bad moments, and held up well at times but also poorly at times. Could maybe have got a seven for his match rating today but there were too many moments where he offered nothing and didn’t chase balls down as much as was maybe needed.
Ben Clark – 6
Came on in the 68th minute for Rory Holden, looked lively and had some decent moments but nothing too noteworthy. Added to the side after coming on.
Adam Wilson – N/A
Chased balls down and was good when coming on, but a player coming on after 83
minutes will always struggle to make a huge impact. Probably should have come on earlier.
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