SSE Airtricity League: Shamrock Rovers 3-0 Cork City
Darren Cleary at the Tallaght Stadium
Shamrock Rovers ended Cork City’s chances of challenging for the SSE Airtricity League title with a 3-0 victory at the Tallaght Stadium on Monday night. Gavin Brennan, Danny North and Brandon Miele got the goals for the hoops.
Damien Duff was once again among the subs at the Tallaght Stadium as Hoops boss Pat Fenlon has kept faith with the side that defeated Longford on Friday night.
The leesiders came to Dublin desperate to bounce back after they suffered a shock 3-2 defeat at the hands of bottom side Limerick FC in their last outing.
Cork City started brightly as they passed the ball with ease and settled quickly at the home of the hoops, but a Ross Gaynor snap shot from outside the box failed to trouble Barry Murphy.
The Hoops forced a save at the other end, a short corner worked well by Gavin Brennan found Mikey Drennan with time and space to shoot but his tame effort was easily held by City shot stopper Mark McNulty.
Moments later the Hoops came close to breaking the deadlock, a Max Blanchard header was well saved by McNulty who was at full stretch to keep it out.
The Cork defense were caught out by a quickly taken free kick. Simon Madden’s perfect cross was met with an equally excellent header. McNulty did well to deny the hoops the lead.
Rovers continued to apply the pressure, next it was Gavin Brennan who came close. His sweetly struck effort from outside the box smashed the base of the post.
The hoops continued to dominate possession but the visitors almost went ahead on 28 minutes. A mistake from Gary McCabe almost gifted Cork City the lead.
His wayward pass in midfield was cut out by Stephen Beattie. The former Bohemians front man twisted and turned before unleashing a shot that just flew wide of Barry Murphy’s post.
Rovers took a deserved lead on 36 minutes. Luke Byrne joined in to support and attack, the left-back combined well with Brandon Miele before swinging an inch perfect cross into the box.
The quality of the delivery was matched by the finish as Gavin Brennan rose highest above the Cork defender to power a header into the top corner, leaving the city keeper with no chance.
Gavin Brennan of Rovers celebrates scoring the first goal of the game | ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
Shamrock Rovers extended their lead shortly after the half time break. This time it was Danny North who found space in the box as he angled his head perfectly to connect with Mikey Drennan’s cross.
The intensity and urgency in Rovers first half display was lacking in the second half, the job was done after 55 minutes the Hoops could afford to shut up shop as the effort of playing a second game in four days began to take a toll.
Cork City never looked like they could claw their way back into it. The second half passed with any major trouble for Rovers’ keeper Barry Murphy.
Brandon Miele capped off a good night for the hoops rounding off the scoring in the 88th minute.
Shamrock Rovers newest signing Damien Duff makes his debut | ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
Damien Duff made his Shamrock Rovers debut moments later replacing Miele, his introduction was met with a rapturous response from the home fans who were delighted to see the 100 times capped Republic of Ireland winger grace the pitch in Tallaght.
The hoops didn’t need him before that they spent most of this game in complete control. The win takes them up to third place in the SSE Airtricity League table, ahead of St Patrick's Athletic on goal difference.
Shamrock Rovers manager Pat Fenlon spoke to 98FM’s Darren Cleary after the game
Shamrock Rovers: Murphy; Madden, Webster, Kenna (Capt), Byrne; Blanchard, Brennan, Miele, McCabe; Drennan, North.
Subs: Hyland, O'Connor, Cregg, Brennan, Kavanagh, Duff, McCaffrey.
Cork City: McNulty; Kavanagh, Bennett (Capt), Murray, Gaynor, O'Connor, Sheppard, Beattie, Miller, O'Sullivan, Buckley.
Subs: Dennehy, Healy, O'Flynn, Smith, McSweeney, O'Connoll, Kearney.
