February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Rovers edged out Istri, 1-0, with a battling performance in a State Cup quarterfinal game in Astoria at the weekend. The winners lost midfielders Paul McGlynn and Danny Parkin to injury, the latter forcing coach Mark Hopper to push up Kevin Daly from sweeper to midfield.
Rovers were under pressure early, and keeper Jack Stepnowski made two excellent saves. But on came Pat Brosnahan to shore up the defense, and with Damian Dunleevy winning possession for wide man Declan Condron to create chances, Rovers got the upper hand and started to look the more likely to score.
Tony O’Donnell led the line well but was replaced by the fresh legs of Alex Byrne, who created the opening for Condron to smash a shot against a post with five minutes left. Extra time meant the golden goal, and with tension at fever pitch it was sub, Anton Diber, who crossed for Daly to head home the only goal.