Shamrock R 2 UCD 1:AS HE'S done throughout his time at the club, Gary Twigg delivered for Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium last night.
Fittingly, on his final home appearance after four years at the club, Twigg scored his 19th and 20th goals of the campaign to ensure he’ll finish as the league’s top scorer for a third time.
Twigg delighted the home faithful with precisely what they’ve come to expect from the 28-year-old Scot as he latched onto Billy Dennhey’s through ball, skipped between two defenders, and rounded keeper Ger Barron to slide the ball home.
Two minutes later UCD were caught napping as Twigg struck again. Midfielder Stephen Rice played the killer ball and Twigg did the rest, rounding Barron again to slide the ball to the net with his trusted left foot.
UCD soon responded with a goal of the season contender from David McMillan. Gary Burke knocked a ball in from the left and McMillan flicked it up into the air, turned and put it away with a stunning dipping volley from over 20 yards.
Twigg spurned a couple of chances to complete his hat-trick as Rovers continued to dominate. .
UCD were the better side for good spells of the second half and were inches from levelling when Samir Belhout’s low drive was deflected for a corner. The Rovers fans who were on the feet on 75 minutes as Twigg was substituted to a prolonged standing ovation.
SHAMROCK ROVERS: Jansson; Sullivan, Oman, Gartland, Powell; Rice, McCormack; Dennehy, McCabe, Greene; Twigg (O’Neill 75).
UCD: Barron; Douglas (Langtry ht), Leahy, Kavanagh, Nangle; Mulhall (McCabe 67), Burke, O’Conor, Benson, Belhout (Lyons, 60) McMillan.
Referee: Paul Tuite (Dublin).