Player Ratings: How Cork City fared in FAI Cup final loss to Shamrock Rovers
Cork City team huddle up before kick-off at the Aviva. Picture: INPHO/Tom O'Hanlon
Kickouts were inconsistent but made a number of decent saves – particularly his stop in first-half added-time, when Graham Burke tested him from a free. Should have done much better for Rory Gaffney’s second goal, though. 6
Had done well for large parts of the first half, sent Alex Nolan through for one big chance in the early stages and was sharp, right up until his unnecessary tackle on Josh Honohan that saw him shown a straight red card and killed City’s challenge.
Defended well in the first half, but was caught out far too easily for Rovers’ second goal. Passing sloppy at times, but came closest to finding the net for City with a header that Edward McGinty kept out in the 51st minute.
A solid performance from Kelleher. Controlled the central centre-back role, and managed the space well between himself, Anderson and Rory Feely in the first half. Had a few solid moments, and did well to clear Josh Honohan’s low delivery in the 38th minute. Had to make way when City were chasing the game.
City’s best defender, even with Gaffney’s second strike in mind. Was outstanding in the first half, pulled off a huge block in the 59th minute but should have done better under pressure when Gaffney netted Rovers’ second.
Produced a block of quality in the first half to deny Rovers a cross, ran himself into the ground as he always does, but the red card killed City going forward. Would have assisted Anderson had he been able to convert in the 51st minute. Came close to netting a consolation in the dying embers.
Worked hard, had one decent effort outside the box in the opening period, but didn’t do enough to impact the game from midfield.
Solid throughout, leading in midfield as he often does. Defended well, constantly roamed around the middle and played a huge part in keeping City sharp and compact. Made way in the 70th minute.
Had been lively in the first half, showed good footwork down the right flank to get a half-chance going, also set up Seani Maguire for one he came close in. Nolan was the unfortunate one to make way at half-time as Ger Nash had to react to Nevin’s red card.
Distraught at full-time, and tough not to feel for him. A gut-wrenching end to a challenging year for Seani, and another game where he worked right to the end. Won a few frees in good positions, had an effort saved in the first half and produced a brilliant last-ditch intervention to stop Lopez scoring just before half time. But, as has been the case all year, was starved of service.
Moved the ball well and was threatening down the left wing. Any hopes of a City goal looked likely to come from a combination of McLaughlin and Seani. Got an applause from the City fans as he made way.
Produced a good block late on, but it was always going to be tough coming on with City down to 10 for the second half.
Replaced Kelleher in the 70th minute, roamed around but didn’t have the desired impact.
Brought on for Bolger with 20 left to play, as Nash switched to a 4-4-1 to try and get City the goal they desperately needed. Instead, they conceded the second within a minute. Couldn’t spark a revival.
On for McLaughlin, with 15 left. Wasn’t able to turn it around with City already two behind.
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