Pic: Mark McDermott
Shamrock Rovers will finally conclude their 2025 season on Thursday night in the UEFA Conference League. They play host to the Maltese side, Hamrun Spartans, with elimination from the competition already confirmed. The fixture is a matter of pride and financial reward for both sides. However, the Hoops are still searching for their first win of the competition and will be targeting this fixture to achieve that.
Hamrun Spartans are expected to bring around 500 supporters to Tallaght Stadium for the game. It is the first time the side from Malta has been in a European competition, and thus, they want to fully support their team. They also head into the fixture with elimination already confirmed, but that has not disheartened their following.
Recent form
The Hoops are on the back of a recent 3-1 defeat to Breidablik in Reykjavik just a week prior. Breidablik’s victory ensured that Rovers had little to play for in the penultimate fixture. The defeat in Iceland led to disgruntled supporters, as many saw it as a winnable game. Graham Burke’s 32nd-minute strike appeared to be sending the 22-time champions in that direction until proceedings were levelled just three minutes later.
Before the Breidablik encounter, Shamrock Rovers were beaten by Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 in Tallaght Stadium. This clash offered hope in plentiful supply as they looked as though a result was there for the taking. Various penalty shouts and missed opportunities played a role in the Ukrainian side taking the spoils.
Stephen Bradley’s side have had a historic season in claiming both the League of Ireland Premier Division and the FAI Cup. The feat was achieved by the club since 1987. European football may have been a bonus when challenging for both domestic titles, leading to an early exit from the competition.
Opposition
Hamrun Spartans arrive in a similar predicament to Shamrock Rovers. They sit 32nd – three places above Rovers – with their fate already sealed. The Maltese outfit is four points off Lincoln Red Imps, who hold the final knockout stage playoff place. Their only victory of the competition came against the same side, but it has not been enough to challenge for knockout football in the final round of league phase fixtures.
Aside from their victory over Lincoln Red Imps, Hamrun Spartans have been beaten by Jagiellonia Bialystok, Lausanne, Samsunspor, and Shakhtar Donetsk. Similar to Rovers, they have faced tough opponents, all of them being 24th or above in the table.
Hamrun Spartans currently sit second in the Maltese Premier League, most recently beaten by Marsaloxx 3-1. However, they have won the league three years in a row to date and will be hopeful of continuing that after the UEFA Conference League. In the middle of the park sits Ante Coric, formerly a Roma player. He will be one to watch out for in Dublin 24.
Team news
Stephen Bradley confirmed to club media that Danny Mandroiu will continue to miss out; no timeline has been placed for his return. He hinted ahead of the Breidablik tie that Josh Honohan and Aaron McEneff were doubts for the final fixture. Ahead of Thursday’s encounter, he has confirmed that the pair will miss out due to injury. For Honohan, it had been reported by The Irish Independent earlier in the week that he is set to join Lincoln City in January. The fee is around €500,000 with add-ons that may bring that closer to €1 million. If the move is to go through, it means supporters will not see the 24-year-old in the green and white for one final time.
Lee Grace’s name has been added to the injury list alongside the previously mentioned. He appeared to sustain a knock in the 3-1 defeat to Breidablik. The Tipperary man went down with some pain and was withdrawn minutes later for Max Kovalevskis. The extent of his injury has yet to be revealed; however, it is sensible not to risk him with elimination already confirmed.
Contracts for certain players may be on the brink of expiration without any formal announcement from the club at present. This may lead to differing names featuring throughout the game for one final time at Tallaght Stadium.
Impact of outcome
For both sides, they are in a near-identical position. Separated by three places in the table, two points are the difference. Hamrun beat Lincoln Red Imps 3-1, and Shamrock Rovers earned a point against AEK Athens. Both Rovers and Hamrun have little to play for. Bradley told the club in his interview that he aims to send supporters into Christmas with three points.
Aside from the Hoops targeting their first win of the competition, with victory comes financial reward. A win in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League comes to €400,000 and €133,000 for a draw. Both sides will be well versed in the prize money for each result and will be hoping to pocket that at full-time.
Final word
Shamrock Rovers have forced themselves into the history books this year. Winning all domestic cups available to them and qualifying for the UEFA Conference League after beginning in the 2nd qualifying round, with no back-door option. Disappointment may ensue for Stephen Bradley and his players, but upon reflection, it has been a remarkable season.
The Hoops aim to sign off with victory and bank an additional €400,000. The fixture itself will be a ceremonial event for supporters to showcase their gratitude for this history-making squad.