Salthill Devon 0
Shamrock Rovers 1
A fortuitous Don Cowen goal seconds from the end of five added minutes secured the League of Ireland Newstalk 'A' championship title for Shamrock Rovers at Drom on Saturday afternoon.

Cowen was rewarded for a battling 90 minutes as he took advantage of a moment’s hesitation from Devon goalkeeper Ronan Forde with extra time beckoning. Cowen chased down a long punt from defence and pounced as Forde waited for the ball to trickle into his area and easily disposed and rounded him to score and claim the title for Rovers.

However it all should have been wrapped up earlier as Rovers looked to have taken the lead on the hour mark. Padraig Amond skilfully fired home Simon Madden's cross, but he was harshly adjudged to be in an offside position and his goal was erased.

With 15 minutes remaining Cowen raced clear through on goal and while Devon captain James Whelan's tackle should have resulted in a penalty, referee Paul Deering waved away the Hoops' appeals to leave the home team with a chance.

But Cowen’s snatch and grab raid nine seconds for the end ensured Rovers manager Andy Meyler claimed the silverware, while Salthill Devon face Kildare County in the Division One play-off first leg on Tuesday next.

Salthill Devon: Forde; Quinlan, Murphy, Whelan, O Leidhin; Boyle, Porter, O’Donnell, Browne; Gilmore (Geraghty, 85), Maranek (O'Reilly, 56)

Shamrock Rovers: Duggan; Madden, Flynn, Ekanem, Rothery; Kavanagh, Johnson, Chisolm, Good (Oladele, 80); Cowen, Amond

Referee: Paul Deering (Sligo)

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