O’Donnell’s hat trick helps Rovers to first league title

Rovers 7, Lyndenhurst 0

The Rovers won their first-ever league championship on Sunday with a complete demolition of bottom club Lyndenhurst.

It took some time for the first goal to come, but when it did, the floodgates opened. After 29 minutes, full-back Chris Simms went on a weaving run and his cross was firmly headed in by Tony O’Donnell.

Three minutes later, it was two, with Stuart Duffin finishing from close range. Simms then headed in a John O’Hagan corner, and at the break it was 3-0.

Just after the interval, Simms headed in his second from an Anton Diver cross, and the game was in the bag.

Coach Mark Hopper had elected to rest one or two key players for next week’s Cup final, and now he brought off midfield genius Damian Dunleavy. Danny Parkin and Pat Brosnahan were keeping the defense tight, while Diver and O’Hagan were destroying Lyndenhurst on the wings.

O’Donnell fired home the fifth, and Duffin ran past the defense to make it six. Dennis McGowan almost scored his first of the season, but his shot was well saved. O’Donnell completed his hat trick with five minutes left and the Rovers supporters were in serious party mood.

"It has been a long wait, 25 years, and I’m delighted for my players and the supporters" Hopper said. "We still have two Cup finals to look forward to, but the league was the one we all wanted and I’m so proud of the lads."

Rovers take on Glen Cove in the League Cup final on Sunday.

Rovers team: Jack Stephanowski, Chris Simms, Dennis McGowan, Pat Brosnahan, Danny Parkin, Damian Dunleavy, John O’Hagan, Anton Diver, Dave Pettite, Tony O’Donnell, Stuart Duffin.