John McGovern came off the bench to score twice in four minutes and secure a vital 3-2 win for Shamrock Rovers over Waterford. The victory at Tallaght Stadium on Friday night keeps Stephen Bradley's side second in the Premier Division, now on 56 points from 30 games.
The result snaps a run of two games without a win and provides a key boost ahead of the next home fixture against Drogheda United on 9 October.
Waterford took a surprise lead after 35 minutes through Evan McLaughlin. Shamrock Rovers responded just before the hour mark when Aaron Greene headed in from a Roberto Lopes cross.
Bradley's double substitution on 62 minutes changed the game. McGovern replaced Greene and Tunmise Sobowale came on for William Fitzgerald. Nine minutes later, McGovern levelled the score, finishing from a Graham Burke pass. He then completed the turnaround four minutes after that, converting a cross from fellow substitute Jake Mulraney.
Shamrock Rovers dominated possession with 69 percent of the ball and created 17 shots, nine of which were on target. Waterford were more clinical early on, scoring twice from four shots on target. The match was a physical affair, with Waterford receiving four yellow cards to Rovers' two.
Their next challenge is a home match against Drogheda United, who currently sit ninth.
