Shamrock Rovers – Cork City

Recap

Cork City’s four game winning streak came to an end tonight after a disappointing 3-0 loss to Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium.

Graham Burke and Ethan Boyle put the hosts two goals up going into half time. Roberto Lopez killed any hope of a comeback on the hour mark, by grabbing Rovers’ third of the night.

John Caulfield made two changes from the side that beat Dundalk last Friday. Jimmy Keohanne and Karl Sheppard dropped to the bench, with Kieran Sadlier and Garry Buckley returning to the starting eleven.

The Leesiders found themselves on the back-foot after just three minutes of play. Burke found space thirty yards from goal and let fly, the ball ending up int he top corner giving Mark McNulty no chance.

Burke was again involved in Rovers’ second. He whipped in a corner kick and Ethan Boyle got a touch at the near-post to guide the ball into the net. City did have chances to claw a goal back. Garry Buckley was denied at close range by Hoops’ goalkeeper Kevin Horgan. The shot-stopped kept City at bay again just before the break, pulling off an excellent double save from Barry McNamee and Graham Cummins’ efforts.

Caulfield introduced Sheppard and Keohane at half time, but the game ended as a contest after 61 minutes. Burke again whipped in a dangerous cross which was flicked on by Joey O’Brien. Roberto Lopez was in the right place to poke the ball in at the far post from a tight angle.

City remain level on points with league leaders Dundalk after the defeat, with the Lilywhites occupying first place due to goal difference.