Super sub Matthew Barrett’s second-half goal gave Shiven Rovers a first ever Roscommon and district league cup title in Lecarrow writes Jack Gannon.
The first-half was evenly contested between sides. Boyle Celtic having the better of the chances. Darren Foley had the first big chance of the game however his effort went to the left and wide.
The best goal opportunity of the first-half fell to Michael Corrigan after 25 minutes. The striker went one-on-one with the Shiven Rovers goalkeeper however, Shane Delaney made an impressive save.
Boyle’s Shane Battles also went one-on-one with the goalkeeper but he was brought down outside the box after 31 minutes. Referee Keith Reynolds saw nothing of it and play continued.
Adam Farrell announced himself as the danger man for Shiven Rovers throughout the opening period. The striker’s half chance, at the end of the half from outside the box, slid to the left and wide.
The second-half started in a scrappy fashion. Boyle Celtic starting to dominate the game in midfield. David Flanagan found some joy down the left hand side for Boyle but was unable to break the deadlock.
Frank Kilcummuns went close for Shevin after 54 minutes, forcing a save from Kyle Sweeney.
Then the breakthrough came from substitute Matthew Barrett, who blasted the ball into the top corner giving Kyle Sweeney no chance.
Adam Farrell playing a key role in the goal after a great run down the right hand side to apply the setup for Barrett.
Boyle Celtic upped the tempo after the goal however the Slevin defence remained resolute. Adam Farrell remained a threat on the counter for Rovers and the midfield did a great job in eliminating any threat of a Boyle Celtic attack in the final ten minutes.
Shiven Rovers held out until the final whistle to win their first league cup in their 50 year history.
