Hat-trick helps Chelsea power on in Europe with Shamrock rout

Chelsea signed off with a perfect record in the league phase of the Conference League in a 5-1 defeat of Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge.

The defeat was a first in Europe this season for Shamrock who left west London with the consolation of a place in February’s play-off round, as well as with the memory of Markus Poom’s goal that briefly levelled things at 1-1 in the first half and offered the glimpse of a major upset.

Chelsea enjoyed more than 80 per cent possession during the...