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. 

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