Slaney Rovers 4

Parkville United 0

Rovers booked a place in the KCLR Shield Final against New Oak with this win over United. Parkville went into the game as favourites, unbeaten in the league, against a Rovers side whose form had deserted them in recent weeks but as so often happens in Knock out competition, the form book was burnt. United were the better side for most of the first half, but despite piling on the pressure and carving out decent chances, none of Michael Dobosz, Nick Nolan or Jack O'Neill could convert when well placed. With 5 minutes to the break Slaney made them pay for those missed chances, Adam Keogh and Lubohir Lesko combined brilliantly to set up Dominic Byrne and despite loud appeals for offside Byrne kept his cool to fire Rovers into a half time lead. Parkville dominated the early second half exchanges but were denied twice by the goal frame as both Nolan and O'Neill saw efforts come back off the post. With Parkville pressing forward their high defensive line was exposed when Lesko put a simple ball over the top for the on running Adam Keogh to smash home Rovers' second goal just after the hour. 15 minutes later it was 3-0, Conor O'Brien gliding by 3 defenders before picking his spot and leaving Parkville with a mountain to climb. United to their credit kept plugging away but got no joy from a defence led by Regan Murphy. With time almost up Rovers added their fourth, Shane Murphy heading home from a Joe Thompson corner as Slaney eased into the final in bid to win their first Carlow Shield since 2011. Best on the day for Slaney were Paddy Farrell, Mick Foley and Joe Thompson while Michael Dobosz and Jack O'Neill stood out for Parkville.