St. Anthony’s started the stronger side and took the lead midway through the first half. Moments later Rovers were reduced to 10 men — but that setback only inspired the lads. Every single player left it all on the pitch, the ten men running themselves into the ground to keep the fight alive. 

St. Anthony’s doubled their lead early in the second half, yet Rovers’ spirit never broke. With 10 minutes left, Will Carey slipped a perfect pass through for Daniel Clarke, who finished superbly to give hope of a comeback.

Rovers kept pushing and Michael Carroll came agonisingly close to an equaliser after a brilliant solo run, only to be denied by the keeper.

A gutsy performance — ten men showing the heart of eleven until the very end, leaving the coaches full of pride in their team. The league may now be out of reach, but we’ve a trophy final and the National Cup still to look forward to in the coming weeks.