Cork City's woes deepen against Shamrock Rovers
Rory Gaffney of Shamrock Rovers shoots to score his side's fourth goal against Cork City at Tallaght Stadium. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Another chastening night for Cork City as they slumped to a heavy defeat against league leaders Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium.
The hosts barely had to break sweat to claim all three points, such was the gulf in intensity, quality and purpose. Rovers were dominant throughout, while City looked second-best in every department, slipping further into trouble at the foot of the table City made three changes from the side that started in last week’s defeat to Bohemians.
Malik Dijksteel was handed his first start for the club, while Greg Bolger and Kitt Nelson were also drafted into the starting 11. Dropping out were Charlie Lyons and Sean Murray, with the most eye-catching omission being Seani Maguire, who was left out of the team despite starting the previous two games.
Rovers wasted little time in asserting their dominance in Tallaght, finding the net inside the opening six minutes through Michael Noonan. The young striker capitalised on some weak defending, gliding past both Darragh Crowley and Freddie Anderson far too easily before squeezing a tame shot past Tein Troost at his near post.
It was a poor goal to concede from a Cork City perspective, both in terms of the challenges missed and the manner Troost was beaten.
To their credit, City responded positively. Malik Dijksteel, offered some drive from midfield and tested Ed McGinty with effort. Evan McLaughlin also found himself in a promising position shortly after but fired over the crossbar. These brief spells of attacking intent gave City some hope, but it didn’t last long.
Rovers reasserted control and doubled their advantage midway through the half when Roberto Lopes was left completely unmarked inside the area and powered home a header from close range. It was another moment of slack defending from City, who failed to track runners.
City’s defensive frailties continued to haunt them, and Noonan struck again. Trevor Clarke played a simple but effective ball in behind the City defence, and Noonan showed composure to lift the ball over the onrushing Troost. Anderson will have questions to answer regarding his positioning, which allowed the striker to get in behind far too easily.
Although City showed flashes in attack, particularly through Dijksteel and Djenairo Daniels, they were far too open at the back. Rovers’ movement and physicality created constant problems, with Rory Gaffney and Noonan causing the City defenders all sorts of issues.
Just four minutes into the second half, Gaffney added his name to the scoresheet, finding himself through on goal far too easily before calmly slotting past Troost.
City had a rare moment of hope when Cathal O’Sullivan burst into the box and forced an excellent save from McGinty. The rebound fell to Milan Mbeng, but he couldn’t execute the chip with enough precision.
At the other end, Daniel Cleary came close with a glancing header, while Troost had to be alert to deny Michael Noonan a hat-trick with a sharp save at his near post.
City pulled one back when Alex Nolan finished well after good movement to latch onto Bolger’s pass.
While Rovers were in cruise control, City’s lack of desire and intensity will deeply concern their supporters. This performance did little to suggest they’re ready for the relegation fight ahead.
McGinty; C O’Sullivan, Lopes (Honohan 46), Cleary, J O Sullivan, Watts (O’Neill 53), Mandroiu (Barrett 53), Grant (McEneff 73), Clarke (Kovalevskis 46); Noonan, Gaffney.
Troost; Mbeng (Nevin 61), Crowley, Anderson, Fitzpatrick; O’Sullivan (Nolan 64), McLaughlin, Bolger, Nelson (Lyons 46), Dijksteel (Murray 46); Daniels (Maguire 61).
A O’Dowd.
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