League Report: Shamrock Rovers 0 - 0 Cork City

Shamrock Rovers were unable to maintain their 100% record to the start of the season as they were held to a scoreless draw by Cork City at Tallaght Stadium this evening.

Playing alone upfront in the first half, former Aston Villa man Mikey Drennan found himself isolated as the Hoops were reliant on the long ball with Pat Fenlon’s side also attempting to play quick counter attacking football. However this failed time after time as they were nipped in the bud by the Cork midfield.

Cork had the first clutch of half chances, with Karl Sheppard finding himself on the ball in the box but his subdued effort was cleaned up by David Webster. The shot came from a woeful mistake in the Rovers defence which landed again at the feet of Sheppard but he couldn't get his shot on target.

It was after this that the momentum swung Rovers way and they began to play like the home side. The crowd got behind them and most of the Hoops play was in the final third, but it was all long balls into the air, unable to keep the ball on the deck or get it in to the feet of Drennan.

There was better luck on the wings, with inviting crosses coming in from Simon Madden but there was no one there to connect with them until Drennan hit the crossbar just before half time after Madden planted the ball on his forehead in what was probably the best chance of the game.

Gavin Brennan attempted to take the game by the scruff of the neck in the closing stages of the half, forcing himself further forward into the eighteen yard box and winning the ball in good areas but he couldn't get any solid shots away.

Cork came out for the second half with a renewed vigour, Billy Dennhey looking very comfortable on the ball, winning free kicks and putting in threatening crosses but still no closer to breaking the deadlock.

Gary McCabe then took a more central role and the balance of play swung back in Rovers favour but it was almost as if the rest of his team mates were expecting him to take all the workload upon himself. Even though he worked himself into a number of favourable positions a lack of either support or conviction meant they came to nothing.

The lack of enthusiasm going forward from the Hoops angered vast swathes of the home support and the tie petered out into a bore draw which didn't leave many in Tallaght entertained.

Shamrock Rovers: Craig Hyland, Simon Madden, David Webster, Connor Kenna, David O'Connor, Pat Cregg, Keith Fahey (Stephen McPhail 71), Gary McCabe, Gavin Brennan, Kieran Marty Waters (Sean O'Connor 71), Mikey Drennan (Gareth McCaffrey 83)
Subs Not Used: Barry Murphy (gk), Max Blanchard, Ryan Brennan, Brandon Miele.

Booked: Cregg (80), McPhail (87)

Cork City: Mark McNulty, Ross Gaynor, Alan Bennett, Darren Dennehy, John Dunleavy, Kieran Djilai (Mark O'Sullivan 64'), Colin Healy, Liam Miller, Garry Buckley (Gavan Holohan 75'), Billy Dennehy (Mark O'Sullivan 80'), Karl Sheppard.
Subs Not Used: John Kavanagh, Dan Murray, John O'Flynn, Kevin O'Brien (gk).

Booked: Morrissey (90+1)

Referee: Neil Doyle

Attendance: 4,000 (estimate)

Extratime.ie Man Of The Match: Gary McCabe (Shamrock Rovers).