Shamrock Rovers’ away-day blues continue as they exit Europe

A Graham Burke own goal was the difference in Finland as Shamrock Rovers’ UEFA Conference League campaign ended in a defeat to KuPS.

The League of Ireland champions lost the tie 2-1 on aggregate, with the decisive moment coming from close range in the 75th minute.

This means no league stage football for the Premier Division leaders, and another disappointing European outing after losses this year to Egnatia and Ararat-Armenia.

Rovers were out to qualify for the competition proper for the third successive season, and they just needed to get the better of a Finnish side that held them to a 1-1 draw last week at Tallaght Stadium.

Stephen Bradley reacted to this challenge by making two changes to the group that started in Dublin, with John O’Sullivan replacing Jack Byrne in midfield and Aaron Greene in for Burke in the forward line.

The rejigged side were only on the pitch a matter of minutes when KuPS launched their first dangerous attack.