It was a bad day at the office for the Shamrocks first team on Sunday.

After a bright start Rocks conceded an early goal when Stal Mielec’s right winger jinked past a couple of tackles and crossed neatly for Mielec’s centre forward to volley home from close range.

Rocks got back into the game and dominated the remainder of the second half. Paul McDaid got the equaliser after 35 mins following a neat move down the right which resulted in an inviting cross which McDaid headed home from close range.Rock’s midfielder Sean Steed, who was dominating the midfield, was replaced five minutes before the interval, after suffering a back injury and things went down hill for the Rocks from that point on.

Stal Mielec made it 2-1 five minutes before the interval with a perfectly executed free kick from 25 yards out. The first of three fine finishes on the day for the home team.

Into the second half and Rocks hinted that they may get back into the game with some neat football.

However, Stal Mielec made it 3-1 after 60 mins when Rocks’ keeper Robbie O’Neill sprinted off his line to clear a through ball which ricocheted cruelly off the on-rushing Mielec attacker and into the empty net.

That being said there was nothing fortuitous about the home team’s final two goals. A beautiful volley from twelve yards out from Mielec’s striker followed by a deft chip from twenty five yards out from the home team’s centre midfielder.

“As difficult as it can be, sometimes you have to admire such clinical finishing from the opposing team,” said coach Glen Wrafter.

“The scoreline did not reflect the game but then again I would say that.”

Meanwhile, in the earlier game, the Reserves were held to a 1-1 draw despite a battling performance from the visitors.

Sean Mc Mullan’s left-footed piledriver to the top corner of the net equalised an earlier headed goal which gave the hosts the lead.

The Rocks had chances to take the lead and a decent penalty shout to go with it but it was not to be and now they must hope to win their three remaining games to finish in the top two.

Earlier on Sunday morning, the Over 30s were beaten 4-3 by Manhattan Kickers Premier in a game that was ruined by the referee and saw Paddy Mc Carry’s team go down to nine men when they were 4-1 down.

The Rocks battled back to 4-3 with goals from Mike Bishop, Karol Hughes (penalty) and Eugene O’Driscoll.

They now need a win on Sunday morning to assure their safety in the top flight.