HALF-TIME: Shamrock Rovers 0 – Santa Clara 0

All going according to plan for Stephen Bradley’s Hoops so far! It’ll no doubt get tense after the break with no room for second chances. 

The Hoops have kept their Portuguese visitors shooting from distance with 5 in total, while Josh Honohan’s effort on 37 minutes was the best chance of the half as he struck the bar. 

Dan McDonnell has his say at the interval in Dublin 24: 

Rovers will be pretty satisfied with their first half display here. They’ve been composed enough in terms of their decision making, arguably a little too cautious at times but they are clearly conscious of the threat that the guests possess when the game is open.

As the interval approached, it became a little more stretched and red shirts found space when Rovers got their press wrong. But it must be stressed that there have been sloppy moments from the Portugese side that should give the locals plenty of encouragement. Chances are there for them.