With the league title possibly out of reach, it was local pride that fueled our journey to near neighbours Wicklow Town at Finlay Park this morning. The result was a stunning display of second-half dominance as Rovers secured a comprehensive 5-0 victory over our rivals.

The first half was a tense, cagey affair. Both sides carved out a couple of half-chances, but neither could find the clinical edge, sending the teams into the break deadlocked at 0-0.

Rovers exploded out of the blocks in the second half. Early, relentless pressing paid off almost immediately. Mark Yukhymenko stole the ball from the Town left-back and slotted a cool finish into the corner to break the deadlock.

That goal ignited Mark's match. Just minutes later, he doubled Rovers' lead, and shortly after that, he completed his superb hat-trick!

The team's confidence was soaring, leading to some beautiful, flowing football. Some neat passing saw Avery Gould pull the ball back into the box for Ryan Forde, who coolly slotted it home to make it four.

The action continued until the final whistle. Rovers were awarded a penalty moments from time for a handball, which resulted in the Town defender being dismissed. Ollie Behan stepped up, but his penalty was saved. However, Mark Yukhymenko reacted quickest to the rebound, tapping home to grab his fourth goal of the match and seal the 5-0 win for the visitors!

This was a superb performance defined by clinical finishing and relentless team pressure in the second half. Well done to the entire squad!