1 week Ago By Andrew Ryan
SHAMROCK ROVERS boss Stephen Bradley insists his side’s lack of a cutting edge cost them all three points against Shelbourne.Following games against Bohemians and St Pat’s, Friday night’s Premier Division clash against the champions was the Hoops’ third Dublin derby in seven days.Stephen Bradley believes Shamrock Rovers are lacking a cutting edgeRamsey Cardy/SportsfileShamrock Rovers drew 2-2 with ShelbourneRamsey Cardy/SportsfileBefore kick-off, Bradley was no doubt hoping his players were chomping at the bit to make amends for last Monday’s shock home 2-3 defeat to Bohs.
It was looking good at half-time with the Tallaght side 1-0 up, thanks to a sweeping Matt Healy strike. But goals from Ali Coote and Mipo Odubeko briefly put the visitors ahead — until a Dan Cleary equaliser in the 67th minute salvaged a point for the hosts.Bradley could only the rue the raft of opportunities his players had scorned.
He said: “I think we should win the game quite clearly.“We controlled the game, there was a ten- to 15-minute spell in the second half after the injuries that they obviously got on top.“But Roberto Lopes has a header just before half-time, a free header, and should score,“Danny Grant has a one-on one, Michael Noonan has a one-on-one, we should win the game quite comfortably I thought.
Some of our stuff was excellent, we just need to be more ruthless.”And the 40-year-old could not resist talking a pop at his old adversary Damien Duff, who said his Shelbourne players were disappointed to leave the south-west Dublin stadium with only one point.Bradley said: “Madness, I don’t know what he was looking at.
“I think it’s quite clear to see. I don’t remember any other chances they have really, apart from the goals.“I think it’s quite clear to see there’s only one team that should win that game.
”Although they are now fourth in the table, Rovers are only one point adrift of league leaders Drogheda United.However, Bradley’s men have shipped seven goals in their last three games — a fact the manager is very much aware of and is something he is determined to rectify.He said: “The goals we are giving away are poor, there’s no getting away from that.
“It’s not good enough, there was so much of this game that was so good and we should win the game.“But if you’re not ruthless enough in both boxes you don’t win games, and we weren’t here.“The last few years our creation and conversion have been really good.
“The players are working extremely hard, it’s just little things that we’re usually really good at.“We just need to get back to them and they’ll be fine.”.
