Shamrock Rovers’ European push gained extra traction with a well-merited 3-1 victory over league leaders Cork City in a very entertaining match at the Tallaght Stadium. Rovers were ahead inside 13 minutes. Skipper Ronan Finn picked the ball up and
Shamrock Rovers’ European push gained extra traction with a well-merited 3-1 victory over league leaders Cork City in a very entertaining match at the Tallaght Stadium.
Rovers were ahead inside 13 minutes. Skipper Ronan Finn picked the ball up and attempted a speculative shot from outside the penalty area. The ball seemed to take a deflection and completely bamboozled Mark McNulty who dived to his left as the ball rolled into opposite side of the net.
If there was an element of luck about their opener, Rovers created an outstanding second in the 20th minute. Outstanding left back Trevor Clarke was the instigator, avoiding at least three would be tackles in a mazy run down the old inside left channel.
Alan Bennett halted Clarke’s progress but the ball fell to Brandon Miele who unleashed an unstoppable shot, which flew past McNulty into the bottom corner. City gave themselves some hope with 20 minutes remaining.
Substitute Ellis chased down a long ball to force a corner. Griffin’s kick was cleared to the edge of the box but Gearoid Morrissey rifled the ball in. That hope was extinguished when Man of the Match Finn’s low cross was turned high into McNulty’s net by substitute Michael O’Connor in the 85th minute.
