UEFA Europa League Round-up: Rovers and Coleraine win dramatic shootouts as Bohs suffer Euro heartbreak

There was European heartbreak for Keith Long’s Bohemians this evening as they were defeated on penalties against Hungarian giants Fehervar.

Heading into the game as 19/1 underdogs in some quarters, the Gypsies took an improbable lead through Keith Ward.

However, they were soon pegged back as Fehervar forward and Hungarian international Nemanja Nikolic levelled via the penalty spot.

Bohs remained level after that – and they did have chances to win the tie in both normal and extra-time – with the game going to a nerve-shredding penalty shootout.

Despite Stephen McGuinness making yet another penalty shootout save, Bohs could not profit as they were eventually downed by four spot-kicks to two.

However, there were contrasting fortunes for Bohemians’ bitter Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers this evening at Tallaght Stadium.

The Hoops fell behind twice in normal time, and they levelled twice through Graham Burke and Roberto Lopes.

Rovers went into extra-time with ten-men following the dismissal of defender Liam Scales for a second bookable offence, but they held firm to take the game to an incredible shootout.

Bradley’s Hoops won 12-11 on penalties, with Joey O’Brien’s second spot-kick enough to see off Ilves Tampere of Finland.



Meanwhile, there were scenes of jubilation for all of those involved with Irish League side Coleraine after they dumped out Slovenian powerhouses Maribor on penalties.

Coleraine took the lead through James McLoughlin in the 62nd minute, although they were pegged back minutes later through Rudi Pozeg Vancas’ equaliser.

The sides could not be separated throughout the rest of the ninety minutes and extra-time, and it was Pozeg Vancas’ missed penalty that opened the door for former Derry City winger Ben Doherty to send the Bannsiders through.

Elsewhere, Glentoran suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat away to Scottish side Motherwell, while TNS defeated Zilina by three goals to one with former Longford Town star Dean Ebbe starting for the Welsh side.



Fellow Welsh side Bala Town also secured a win – a one-nil success over Maltese side Valletta as Aberdeen coasted to a 6-0 win over NSI Runavik at Pittodrie.

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