16-year-old debutant scores to provide Shamrock Rovers one other well-known European victory and break a Romelu Lukaku file in Europa Conference League play-off
- The Irish outfit scored the game’s only goal courtesy of their teenager striker
- He broke a UEFA club competition record previously held by Romelu Lukaku
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Will Liverpool recover from Everton blow in season-defining week?
Shamrock Rovers secured a shock victory in the first leg of their Europa Conference League play-off tie against Molde thanks to a goal from a 16-year-old debutant.
The Irish outfit scored the game’s only goal when teenager Michael Noonan tapped home after their Norwegian opponents gave the ball away cheaply in defence.
By getting on the scoresheet, Noonan became the youngest player to score in UEFA club competition, doing so at the age of 16 years and 197 days old.
This beats the previous record set by Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku, who did at the age of 16 years and 218 when netting for Anderlecht against Ajax in 2009.
Noonan’s goal ensured his team have a precious lead to take back to Dublin with them for the return leg, which takes place a week on Thursday.
Elsewhere, the youngster played a vital part as he was hacked down by Valdemar Lund when through on goal, resulting in Molde being reduced to 10 men.
Shamrock Rovers secured a shock victory in the first leg of their Europa Conference League play-off tie against Molde thanks to a goal from a debutant aged 16 years and 197 days
This beats the previous record set by Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku, who did so at the age of 16 years and 218 when netting for Anderlecht against Ajax in 2009
With the Norwegian side a man short, Rovers pressed for an opening, which came when Mats Dahli gave away possession inside his own box.
Dylan Watts then squared the ball for Noonan to tap home, sending the 200 travelling supporters into ecstasy.
Shamrock qualified for a play-off spot after finishing the initial league phase in 10th place – thanks to wins over The New Saints, Borac and Larne.
Their win comes with the 2025 League of Ireland set to start on Friday, with Rovers’ first fixture seeing them travel to cross-city rivals Bohemians on Sunday.
Shamrock will be looking to capture the title from current champions Shelbourne, who stopped Rovers in their quest to win a fifth successive championship last season.
