Rovers upend Hota, 3-1

Tony O’Donnell diving header from the far post just before halftime propelled the Irish Rovers past Hota, 3-1, at the weekend. Crowd favorites John Browne and Paul McGlynn were excellent in midfield, while Pat Brosnahan and Paul McIlroy held the defense together. Keeper Damian Doherty made some key saves but was beaten midway through the second half. In previous games this would signal a collapse, but the Rovers dug in and David Kelly scored within a minute to restore the lead. Mark Hopper then found O’Donnell in space with time running out, and the canny Scot coolly volleyed home.

Rovers Reserves 3 Hota 0

The Reserves are firmly on course for a hat trick of league titles after Niall Coogan scored a brilliant hat trick himself. The game was an ill-tempered affair. Hota were in second place before this game, but Coogan’s finishing saw them off. Mick Kavanagh released the gangly striker to round the keeper for the first, then just before halftime Paul Kehoe put Coogan in again for number two. The Mayo Racehorse then was on the end of a wonderful move involving Willie Dempsey and Colm Sanders to sidefoot home.

Hota Over-30s, 3, Rovers 2

Rovers took this game too lightly and found themselves two goals behind at halftime. Marshall McAdoo in particular looked jaded. Rovers hit back after losing a third goal, and Dave Quigley scored a penalty and then with a header, but the time ran out.