Shelbourne hold out for draw but Shamrock Rovers beaten by Sparta Prague

Both teams were competing in the opening matches of the league-phase of Conference League
Shelbourne hold out for draw but Shamrock Rovers beaten by Sparta Prague

Shelbourne earned the first point of their Conference League campaign as Joey O'Brien's side shared the spoils in a scoreless draw with Swedish side Hacken at Tallaght Stadium.

While the Swedish side pushed for a win, Shels' Mipo Odubeko had a 'goal' ruled out for offside.

It means both sides go away with a point from the opening match of the league phase of the competition.

It was a different story for Shamrock Rovers, who had a difficult start to their league-phase campaign. 

They lost 4-1 at Sparta Prague, with Danny Mandroiu coming off the bench to grab a consolation goal.

The game in Czechia was dominated by the home side, who scored their fourth in the 90th minute after Rovers pushed for a second goal, but the home side were able to break away.

The opening goals for Sparta came in the final 12 minutes of the first half, and the third came shortly after the interval. 

More in this section

Thomas Frank says it’s ‘all good’ at Tottenham amid speculation over future Thomas Frank says it’s ‘all good’ at Tottenham amid speculation over future
Marc Guehi completes Manchester City move Marc Guehi completes Manchester City move
Senegal set to be sanctioned for walk-off protest in Africa Cup of Nations final Senegal set to be sanctioned for walk-off protest in Africa Cup of Nations final

Sponsored Content

Turning risk into reward: Top business risks in 2026 Turning risk into reward: Top business risks in 2026
Top tips to protect Ireland's plant health Top tips to protect Ireland's plant health
River Boyne in County Meath, Ireland. Water matters: protecting Ireland’s most precious resource
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more