Pic: George Kelly
Shamrock Rovers’ league campaign finally got underway on Friday evening. They beat St. Patrick’s Athletic 2-0 in front of a crowd of over 7,000. A game of two halves proved dividends as the home side took control in the second, leading to an eventual comfortable victory.
One player who stole the limelight was league debutant Adam Brennan. He began at left-wing back and made a strong impact on the game. After 80 minutes, he was rewarded with a goal after Danny Grant delivered a cross to the back post. Celebrations were cut short, however, as he limped and eventually went down before being withdrawn for Enda Stevens.
More than just a goal
Adam Brennan was a constant threat to the opposition defence, consistently taking defenders on. More often than not, he was successful in those duals. He had a 100% dribble accuracy rate (3/3) and showed no hesitation to attempt to surpass the St. Patrick’s Athletic defence. Brennan also made 51 touches, just one being unsuccessful, and five out of his 12 carries were progressive.
The opening goal of the game was assisted by Brennan. A cross-field ball controlled via his chest led to a dangerous run into the box, where he drifted wide and set up Michael Noonan to break the deadlock. He also concluded the game with an 85% pass accuracy rate, a performance that led to him earning Player of the Match.
Trust and opportunity
Before a ball was kicked, seeing Brennan’s name in the starting 11 was a sign of trust showcased by manager Stephen Bradley. Additional time to prepare after two postponed fixtures may have influenced his decision, but the 20-year-old was handed a start. A league opener and a Dublin derby in one fixture meant huge pressure was put on his shoulders. Overall, he produced a game-winning performance, a goal and an assist in a 2-0 victory, showcasing what he can offer Shamrock Rovers.
Brennan got 28 minutes in the President’s Cup defeat to Derry City before the league opener. In that short spell, he impressed then; this time, nearly tripling his minutes, he showed exactly why numerous clubs sought his signature. Friday night offered a glimpse into the important role he could have for his new club this year.
Adam Brennan impact
The opening half was less than memorable for both sides of the Dublin derby on Friday evening. The game appeared to be sparked into life at the beginning of the second half. St. Patrick’s Athletic looked increasingly likely to take the lead. 10 minutes in, and Ed McGinty was forced into a goal-stopping save. Jamie Lennon tried his luck from outside the box, and the keeper helped it into the post.
From those moments of disarray, it appeared to give Shamrock Rovers the spark they needed. After 67 minutes, they made three alterations. Dylan Watts, Jake Mulraney, and John McGovern made way for Graham Burke, Jack Byrne, and Michael Noonan. These changes had a clear impact on the game and allowed Brennan some freedom down the left wing. Burke and Byrne led the charge into finding him out wide so he could deliver into the box, and was eventually set up himself by the right wing back.
Looking forward
Shamrock Rovers host Dundalk on Monday night, the fixture that was initially pencilled for the opening night. After the knock Brennan picked up as he celebrated his goal and was withdrawn, it remains unclear if he will feature so soon. He could be kept in reserve for the Hoops trip to Dalymount Park next Friday as they take on Bohemians.
Brennan offered a clear insight into how valuable he can be for Stephen Bradley and his side. He showcased exactly why numerous clubs from across the pond wanted his signature as he featured for UCD. Performances such as Friday will lead to a short stay at Tallaght Stadium; however, he could be key in the defence of two titles.