Dec 21,2024
Shamrock Rovers have been drawn to face Molde in the UEFA Conference League last 16 play-off.
The Hoops just missed out on automatic qualification, squeezed out of the top eight on goal difference, and now Stephen Bradley's side must beat the Norwegian side to progress.
Rovers went into the draw as a seeded team on account of their tenth place finish in the league phase, which pitted them against either of the sides ranked 23rd or 24th.
In the end, Bradley's side met the Norwegians who finished 23rd, with the Hoops gaining the perceived advantage of playing the second leg at their home venue.
Rovers finished the league phase with 11 points from their six games played, while Molde's return of seven was just enough to take them through on goal difference - Hearts were the only team of five to finish on seven points but missed out, eventually ranked 25th.
The first leg will take place on 13 February at Molde's Aker Stadion, with the second and decisive leg set for Tallaght Stadium on 20 February.
Should Rovers win, they will meet either Cercle Burgge or Legia Warsaw for a place in the quarter-finals.
