Shamrock Rovers must reverse a two-goal deficit if they are to progress further in this year’s Champions League, after they were humbled by Maltese side Floriana in the first leg of their first round qualifier at the Centenary Stadium at Ta’ Qali.
Robert Muric’s opener in added time at the end of the first half was followed up by Mustapha Jan’s goal 11 minutes from the end, as Stephen Bradley’s men go into next Tuesday’s second leg at Tallaght Stadium with it all to do.
The Dubliners will be without midfielder Matt Healy for the return leg after he was shown two yellow cards in the space of two minutes by referee Benjamin Brand, just short of the hour.
Chasing another year of European group stage competition, the Hoops made four changes from their comeback win away to Sligo Rovers last Friday on what was the tenth anniversary of Bradley’s first game in charge of Rovers.
Republic of Ireland internationals Jack Byrne and Graham Burke along with Cory O’Sullivan and Michael Noonan were the half-time changes which swung that contest in the favour of the Dubliners at the Showgrounds.
All four were brought back into the starting XI for this one in place of Connor Malley, Adam Matthews, Aaron Greene and John McGovern.
Played in sweltering temperatures of almost 30 degrees on the Mediterranean island, the first half passed without much fuss before Muric’s opener late in the half.
Byrne and Burke both caused issues for the home side early on but it was Michael Noonan who had Rovers’ first real chance on 13 minutes when he nodded Dylan Watts’ cross over Guilherme Cioletti’s crossbar.
The hosts, who were once managed by Irishman Roddy Collins for a few months back in 2009, twice threatened midway through the half.
Floriana players celebrate their opening goal
Muric’s low effort from the distance was parried away by Rovers goalkeeper Ed McGinty whose view of the shot may have been affected by the falling sun behind the goal at the far end. While full-back Myles Beerman blazed over from a corner moments later.
The Irish champions were unable to make the most of Cioletti’s decision to leave his area in an effort to retrieve the ball on 27. Rovers slowly worked play back to Burke whose laboured shot from distance was easily held by Cioletti who returned to base by the time Burke could crack off his shot.
Noonan did have another opportunity to open the scoring on the half hour but his goalward effort was blocked by a Floriana defender after a neat one-two between Watts and Byrne set up the chance.
The Maltese champions hit the front in the first of the added minutes at the end of the opening 45.
Croatian Muric capitalised on space in front of the watching Rovers rearguard to deliver a wonderfully struck, bending effort which he placed into the corner of McGinty’s net.
At the same stadium as Rovers knocked out the then Maltese champions Hibernians at the same stage in this competition four years ago, they did go close courtesy of Watts four minutes into the second period. However, the former UCD midfielder could only nod Byne’s cross over the bar.
Healy didn’t help the Irish cause when he was twice booked in the space of 90 seconds just before the hour. His first for a foul on Federico Varela and his follow up caution for a clumsy obstruction on Dunstan Vella.
Byrne was once again the instigator as it was Enda Stevens’ turn to head over from five yards on 66 minutes, the visitors continuing to struggle to impose themselves on proceedings.
A ragged looking Rovers then conceded again ten minutes from time when Verla’s drive was pushed away by McGinty only for Jan to fire the rebound past the grounded goalkeeper from close range.
Hoops sub Maleace Asamoah did have a late chance taken off the Floriana line after the Wigan loanee had squeezed past a number of challenges before mustering an effort at goal.
Floriana: Cioletti; Lonardelli, Spiteri, Kauan, Beerman; Kurtalic, Vella (Romano 72); Muric (Gudelj 81), Varela, Dervisagic (N’Dri 66); Jan (Scerri 81).
Shamrock Rovers: McGinty; Grace, Stevens, C O’Sullivan; Mulraney (O’Regan 64), Brennan; Byrne, Healy, Watts (J O’Sullivan 64); Noonan (McGovern 72), Burke (Asamoah 72).
Referee: Benjamin Brand (Germany).
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