Shamrock Rovers 3-0 Cork City

Joey Ndo was the star of the show at Tolka Park on Friday night, inspiring Shamrock Rovers to a convincing win over troubled Cork City. Ndo grabbed the games first goal towards the end of the first period, and then provided assists for both Sean O'Connor and Owen Doyle to give the home side a three nil lead.

Cork, despite being down to ten men following Joe Gambles dismissal, kept battling on, and could have very easily pulled a goal or two back - but it wasn't to be. The result leaves Rovers with a great chance of finishing the season as high as fourth.

Robert Duggan continued between the posts for Rovers as Barry Murphy failed a late fitness test. Missing captain Aidan Price through injury, manager Scully opted for Ger O'Brien at centre back, and also handed him the armband. Pat Flynn started in a centre midfield position. Danny Murphy was suspended for the visitors, so Darragh Ryan came into the side at left back.

Denis Behan may have scored three goals in his last three games, but his shot from outside the box after just three minutes was never in danger of hitting the target. Behan hit the post twice last Monday night in the defeat to Wexford Youths, and was far from his best in the this encounter.

Full back Neale Horgan was full of forward running in the opening minutes, and when he burst into the box after five minutes the Rovers backline were forced to concede a corner, with Corey Treacy blocking his effort. The following ten or twelve minutes were pretty scrappy, with both sides cancelling out the others endeavours.

Cork were then awarded a dubious free kick circa thirty yards from goal in a central position.Colin Healy had a go and Duggan was called into action pushing around the post for a corner. Dan Murray connected with the corner, but his header from seven yards was claimed easily by the stand in keeper.

Tadgh Purcell was working as hard as ever for the hosts and he nearly provided an assist for Ndo on twenty minutes. The former Kilkenny man then had a shot at goal himself. Simon Madden crossed a half cleared corner into the box for Doyle to head downwards - but Purcell's volley was straight at Mick Devine.

Nine minutes before the break Rovers took the lead. Danny O'Connor sent a cross into the crowded penalty area that came to Ndo. Ndo's first effort with his back to goal was embarrassing - a total air shot, but he made up for it by following it up with a low shot past Devine from six yards.

A near sublime move from Rovers then nearly brought the games second goal. Darragh Maguire broke up a Cork attack, carrying the ball forward before feeding Ndo. Ndo ran at Corks defenders at speed, causing them to retreat goalwards. The former Pats and Shels playmaker played a neat one two, with Purcell returning it to him with a clever back heel. Inside the box Ndo evaded the challenge of Horgan, but Pat Sullivan managed to block the goalbound shot.

Cork seemed intent on injecting some extra pace into the game after the break and created some early half chances, but it was Rovers that got the games crucial second goal.

Ndo played a ball over the top for Sean OConnor to run on too. The through ball had a little bit too much on it and Devine came racing from his goal to clear the danger. What happened next was a total mess. Devine failed to clear it, or control it properly and Sean OConnor passed the ball into the empty net from eighteen yards.

Cork's Gamble was then dismissed for two rash challenges in the space of three minutes - the second yellow coming for a lunge on Sean O'Connor on the hour mark.

The nightmare continued for the Leesiders just three minutes later - and once again Ndo was the ultimate creator. He chased down the right wing, knocking the ball past Ryan and beating him for pace. Getting to the byline he then cut back and crossed with his left foot. Devine came to collect the cross, but he only succeeded in punching it into the path of Doyle. With plenty of time Doyle smashed the ball into the net from eight yards.

Cork had plenty of possession in the final twenty five minutes, but couldn't get the goal the may have sparked a late comeback. Alan O'Connor had a half chance when introduced, but he dragged his shot wide of the far upright. Behan should have done better when gifted an opening, and a couple of dangerous crosses lacked the touch that could have made a difference.

Shamrock Rovers: Robert Duggan; Simon Madden, Ger O'Brien, Darragh Maguire, Corie Treacy; Pat Flynn, Danny O'Connor, Joseph Ndo (Padraig Amond 79), Sean O'Connor; Eoin Doyle (Mark Leech 88), Tadhg Purcell (Robbie Creevy 84).
Subs not used: Darren Stapleton, Murphy.

Booked: D O'Connor.

Cork City: Michael Devine; Neal Horgan, Dan Murray, Pat Sullivan (Sean Kelly 74), Darragh Ryan; Cillian Lordan, Joe Gamble, Colin Healy, Liam Kearney (Alan O'Connor 79); Lawrie Dudfield (Darren Murphy), Denis Behan.
Subs not used: Mark McNulty, Tim Kiely.

Booked: Gamble (59).
Sent Off: Gamble (60).

Referee: Richie Winter.

Attendance: 1,200 (estimate)