League Report: Cork City 0 - 2 Shelbourne
Sean Boyd scored Shelbourne's second Credit: Conor Ryan (ETPhotos)
Shelbourne gained ground on those ahead of them in the face for European qualification with a routine win over Cork City at Turner's Cross on Friday night.
Goals in each half from Harry Wood and Sean Boyd secured the points to move within five points of third placed Derry. It was a welcome response after their cup exit last weekend.
It seemed like a case of groundhog day at Turners Cross for the home side though. Yet again they started off slowly and found themselves behind within the first half hour. They were again off the pace of their opponents and suffered yet another damaging loss.
Director of Football, Liam Buckley, made just the one change from their FAI Cup win in Limerick last Saturday. Recent loan signing from Altrincham Ollie Byrne came straight into the side. He replaced Jimmy Corcoran in the city net.
Damien Duff made four changes from their defeat in the cup to Bohemians. Andrew Quinn, Tyreke Wilson, Kameron Ledwidge and Harry Wood all came into the side. Paddy Barrett, Luke Byrne, Jad Hakiki and Sean Boyd all made way.
The game took a while to get going as both sides were feeling each other out in the opening stages.
A lovely moment came in the 9th minute when applause rang around the ground in tribute to Ruairi Keating who was absent after the recent death of his father.
City almost replicated the opening goal from last weekend as Josh Honohan rose to meet a corner swung over by Barry Coffey. His header was tipped over on this occasion.
It was Shelbourne who were beginning to grow more into the game though. Good work from Mark Coyle in midfield as he drove forward before slipping a ball through for Harry Wood. His effort was saved by Ollie Byrne.
He would not be denied a few moments later though. A great ball through from JR Wilson caught out the city backline who were trying to play offside. Wood delayed his run and ran onto it before slotting it past Byrne for the opener.
City were dealt a further blow when Joe O’ Brien-Withmarsh was forced to come off with an injury to be replaced by Aaron Bolger.
The away side were controlling affairs in the middle of the park and dictating the flow of the game much to the frustration of the home fans.
The likes of Evan Caffrey, JJ Lunney and Coyle were constantly finding pockets in front of the home defence and forcing them backwards. Cork, meanwhile, were unable to gain possession for sufficient time to get at Shelbourne.
Half-chances came when Cian Bargary’s cross was headed over for a corner before Coffey’s shot from outside the area was tipped over by Kearns.
It was the away side who looked the more likely to add to their advantage after the break and they continued to push City back. They came close during a sustained period of pressure that City did well to survive.
The home side were starting to create a more of note in the opposition area as the half wore on. A left-footed volley from Kevin Custovic whistled just wide before a succession of corners was only half-cleared into the direction of Rokas Stanulevicius. His shot was well placed but Kearns was equal to it.
It was the away side who were to score next to add to their advantage. Sean Boyd, off the bench, with a deft finish with his left foot to double their lead.
Despite a flurry of substitutions, city were unable to change the direction of the game. A late chance fell to Oran Crowe who shot wide.
It was Shelbourne who were left celebrating with their fans in the far corner on the final whistle. Despite their inconsistencies, they are still well placed for a run at the top three.
City, meanwhile, are left worrying about their Premier Division status as they languish in the relegation play-off spot.
It does not get any easier next as they travel to Tallaght to face Shamrock Rovers next Sunday at 18.00. Shels have a chance to overtake Dundalk as they face them at Oriel Park the same day at 17.00.
Cork City: Oliver Byrne; Cian Coleman, Ally Gilchrist, Josh Honohan; Cian Bargary (John O'Donovan 80), Barry Coffey (Jaze Kabia 46), Kevin Custovic (Oran Crowe 86), Conor Drinan (Josh Fitzpatrick 80), Joe O'Brien Whitmarsh, Rokas Stanulevicius; Tunde Owolabi.
Subs not used: Jimmy Corcoran, Gordon Walker, Colin Henderson, Aaron Bolger, Daniel Krezic.
Booked: None.
Sent off: None.
Shelbourne: Conor Kearns; Kameron Ledwidge, Gavin Molloy, Andrew Quinn, John Ross Wilson; Evan Caffrey (Jad Hakiki 83), Mark Coyle, JJ Lunney, Tyreke Wilson (Shane Farrell 83), Harry Wood (Sean Boyd 67); Jack Moylan (Will Jarvis 75).
Subs not used: David Toure, Luke Byrne, Gbemi Arubi, Harry Fisk.
Booked: None.
Sent off: None.
Referee: David Dunne
Attendance: 3672
extratime.com Player of the Match: Evan Caffrey
