League Report: Cork City 4 - 1 Shamrock Rovers

This incredible season for The Rebel Army shows no signs of stopping and at this stage it looks as though it is only a matter of when City will win the league title, rather than if they shall claim the 2017 crown.

Cork City are now sixteen games unbeaten in the 2017 SSE Airtricity League Premier Division season. One of the goals of the season from Gearóid Morrissey, a brace from Ryan Delaney and a goal from Donegal man John Dunleavy helped City on their way to another big three points.

This was a story of one side taking their chances and another one missing them. But City have been so clinical in front of goal this season and that iy looks like being a major factor should they go on to win this year’s league title. 

This was one of the games of the season so far in the League of Ireland. It was gripping, end to end and had fans on the edge of their seats.

Trevor Clarke has a habit of scoring good goals lately. His recent goal in the Dublin derby was an absolute rocket and his goal against the league leaders was just an impressive. 

Stephen Bradley’s side were well in this game for the majority of the contest and will rue their own missed chances, which could have totally changed the complexion of the contest. The final score was an unfair reflection on the Dublin side's efforts in the game.

John Caulfield’s side showed their strength in character to come from behind for the second time in a week. They are ruthlessly clinical.

The game was played in wet and damp conditions, which was a total contrast to the shining sun which was greeting much of the rest of Ireland.

Cork had one change from the midweek victory with Sligo Rovers, with Gearóid Morrissey coming into the side for Alan Bennett.

Rovers had a change of keeper, as Daryl Horgan’s brother, Kevin, was in between the posts. His only appearances prior to this contest were in the EA Sports Cup.

It was an absolute cracker from Trevor Clarke to give Rovers the lead. After running diagonally across the City back line, he beat Keohane just on the edge of the box on the left hand side, before unleashing a bullet of a shot high into the net past City keeper McNulty.

Sean Maguire looked to bring City back into proceedings and had a good chance on 27 minutes, but he managed to shoot wide with just the keeper to beat.

Maguire turned provider shortly after for Dooley, but his powerful effort was easily dealt with by Horgan.

City pushed and probed and just when Rovers looked like they would see things out to the half time break, John Caulfield’s side would find a leveller.  

Greg Bolger floated in a free kick from the left hand side and on hand was Ryan Delaney to head in to the back of the net.

Just minutes into the second half, Rovers were reduced to 10 men, as David McAllister received a straight red card for a late tackle on Maguire.

Attacking the Shed End, City push forward for a goal to put them in front. Maguire would again go close, but he blasted over the bar following McCormack’s pass.

The Hoops, just like they did against Dundalk were staying in this game. Clarke had an excellent chance to put them back in front, but he shot wide after Miele’s through ball.

Cork would immediately make them rue that missed chance and in some fashion. Morrissey picked up the ball 25 yards out and his thunderbolt of a strike flew into the back of the net.

This game was gripping and was end to end. Ronan Finn had a great chance to level things up, but his half volley went over the bar form inside the area.

After that, City were having the majority of the ball and their pressure was rewarded when Delaney would get City’s third of the evening and his fourth goal of the season after scoring at the second attempt after Rovers failed to clear a corner.

The home side’s captain John Dunleavy would also get in on the scoring act before the end, when he headed in powerfully from Griffin’s corner.

City head to face Dundalk next week before the mid-season break, as they look to finish the first half of the season fifteen points clear of their nearest rivals for the title. 

Cork City: Mark McNulty; Jimmy Keohane, Johnny Dunleavy, Ryan Delaney, Kevin O’Connor (Shane Griffin 70); Greg Bolger (Achille Campion 61), Conor McCormack; Stephen Dooley, Gearoid Morrissey, Karl Sheppard (John Kavanagh 90); Sean Maguire.

Subs not used: Steven Beattie, Connor Ellis, Pierce Phillips, Alan Smith(gk).

Booked: None.

Shamrock Rovers: Kevin Horgan; Simon Madden, Roberto Lopes, David Webster, Luke Byrne; Ronan Finn, David McAllister; Trevor Clarke (Darren Meenan 89), Graham Burke (Ryan Connolly 50), Brandon Miele; Gary Shaw (Michael O’Connor 82).

Subs not used: Tomer Chenciski, Daniel Devine, Sean Boyd, Sam Bone.

Booked: Luke Byrne (45), Gary Shaw (73), Trevor Clarke (87).

Sent Off: David McAllister (47) 

Referee: James McKell.

Attendance: 5,135.

Extratime.ie Player of the match: Ryan Delaney (Cork City).