Ekranas too good for Shamrock Rovers
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
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FK Ekranas 2-1 Shamrock Rovers FC (agg: 2-1)
Marko Andjelković and Žilvinas Kymantas ensured Gary McCabe's late penalty was mere consolation for the visitors.
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Goals in each half from Marko Andjelković and Žilvinas Kymantas sealed FK Ekranas's place in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round and eliminated Shamrock Rovers FC.
With the score goalless from last week's opener in Dublin, both sides fancied their chances ahead of the second leg and it was the hosts who made the better start with Egidijus Varnas forcing a save out of Oscar Jansson on four minutes. It was a half of few chances, but in the first minute of added time Giedrius Tomkevičius crossed for Andjelković to open the scoring with a powerful header.
The Lithuainian champions were making home advantage count and increased the pressure on the visitors before doubling their lead in the 63rd minute through Kymantas. The 22-year-old's low drive from 20 metres was too good for Jansson to keep out.
Stephen Kenny's side rallied but they were struggling to break down a resilient Ekranas defence until Gary McCabe converted from the spot deep into added time. However, Valdas Urbonas's charges saw out the remaining minutes to set up a tie with RSC Anderlecht in the next round.
