The Daily Star Ireland
Shamrock Rovers produced a blistering performance at Tallaght Stadium to crush FC Ballkani in the second leg of their UEFA Conference League third qualifying round, securing a play-off showdown with Portuguese side Santa Clara.
Veteran striker Rory Gaffney, enjoying a standout final season, led the charge with two clinical goals on either side of half-time. The 35-year-old, who missed last year’s European campaign and began pre-season out of contract, has repaid manager Stephen Bradley’s trust with 12 goals in what has been a remarkable year. His double on the night set the Hoops on their way to overturning a first-leg deficit, before stunning strikes from Josh Honohan and substitute Graham Burke sealed a 4-0 win.
Early Threats and Gaffney’s First Breakthrough
Rovers signalled their intent from the opening whistle, pressing high and forcing errors. Within two minutes, Matthew Healy’s deflected effort from the edge of the box tested goalkeeper Adnan Golubovic, who gathered it on the line.
The home crowd had an early scare when Ballkani’s Marsel Ismajlgeci curled a shot against the post in the 16th minute during a promising spell for the visitors. Gradually, though, Rovers found their rhythm, with Gaffney’s relentless running causing persistent problems.
One break saw him slip the ball through Golubovic’s legs, only for the offside flag to cut short celebrations. Moments later, he beat Arber Potoku, only for the defender to recover and block his shot — an exchange that fired up both players. On the stroke of half-time, Gaffney had the final word, capitalising on a fumble from Golubovic after Daniel Mandroiu’s low cross to level the tie on aggregate.
A Second-Half Onslaught
Just two minutes into the second half, Gaffney struck again, this time with a deft flick after Conor Malley pounced on another Potoku error. It was a nightmare moment for the full-back, whose evening only worsened before his substitution.
Honohan added a spectacular third on 55 minutes, smashing a volley from 20 yards into the top corner after a corner fell kindly to him — a goal that effectively killed the contest. Burke then made it four in the 67th minute, punishing a calamitous back pass by rolling the ball into an empty net.
With the tie wrapped up, Bradley introduced fresh legs, allowing Rovers to cruise through the final stages and book their place in the play-offs with minimal resistance from a deflated Ballkani.
Next Step – Santa Clara Await
The victory means Shamrock Rovers will now face Santa Clara from Portugal’s Azores Islands over two legs for a place in the Conference League’s league phase. Meanwhile, fellow Irish side Shelbourne will take on Northern Irish rivals Linfield after progressing in their own qualifier.
Final Score: Shamrock Rovers 4–0 FC Ballkani (Agg: 4–1)
Goals: Gaffney (45’, 47’), Honohan (55’), Burke (67’)
Shamrock Rovers XI: Ed McGinty, Josh Honohan (Matthews 70), Pico Lopes, Lee Grace, Dan Cleary, Dylan Watts (McGovern 70), Daniel Mandroiu (Burke 63), Matthew Healy, Rory Gaffney (Noonan 63), Daniel Grant, Conor Malley (Nugent 70).
FC Ballkani XI: Adnan Golubovic, Geralb Smajli, Arber Potoku (Hamidi 54), Gentrit Halili, Giovanni (Tolaj 81), Almir Kryeziu, Marsel Ismajlgeci (Diene 68), Ardit Deliu, Elvis Letaj, Bajram Jashanica, Sunday Adetunji (Serebe 68).
