Rovers advance clearer on top, overtaking Cork

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Shamrock Rovers advanced eight points to the top of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division table with a comfortable 3-0 win over Cork City at Turner’s Cross.

Aaron Greene’s first-half double paved the way for the Hoops to comfortably watch the home team to stretch their lead over the Bohemian seconds.

With AC Milan in the Europa League this Thursday, a game that will be broadcast live on RTÉ, there was no sign of complacency from the Hoops, who dominated the first half and paid off for a 2-0 lead in the break. Greene with the goals in minutes 17 and 43.

While the second half lacked action by comparison, there was never any question of the Rovers’ superiority and substitute Neil Farrugia added a third goal later.

Stephen Bradley’s side was better from the start. They may have gone ahead in the third minute, but Graham Burke couldn’t control the ball when Ronan Finn took it out into the box.

However, they had the best possession and the goal, when it came, was not a surprise, with Greene unmarked as he headed a Jack Byrne cross from the left at the near post.

After that, the Rovers were able to control the game, moving the ball well. Greene was close to a second before setting up Danny Lafferty for a low shot that needed a good save from Mark McNulty shortly after the half-hour mark.

Given their dominance of possession, the Rovers always had the potential to create something and five minutes before halftime, Aaron McEneff almost found Byrne in the box but the pass was right in front of him.

City made their first shot on goal in the 42nd minute, after a free kick bounced off the wall, but Dylan McGlade’s effort didn’t bother Alan Mannus.

The Rovers fought back from that and capitalized on City’s poor defense when Lafferty crossed for Greene to score his second goal.

The two-goal margin meant the second half was played at a slower pace, with City unable to put pressure on the Rovers even after switching from 4-3-3 to 3-5-3.

The Rovers missed more chances, with a low cross from Lafferty somehow eluding everyone, while Burke hit the post twice.

Just before the end, the third goal came, with Neil Farrugia making his mark as he entered from the left and cut off with his right foot before sending a shot through McNulty.

Aaron Greene bagged a double in the first half

CITY OF CORK: McNulty; Ochieng, O’Brien, O’Connor, Slevin; Coleman, Morrissey, Byrne (Hurley ht); McGlade (Fenwick ht), Simpson (Dinanga 71), Dalling.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Mannus; Grace, Lopes, Scales (O’Brien 59); Finn, O’Neill (Watts 65), McEneff, Lafferty (Farrugia 77); Burke, Byrne; Greene (Marshall 77). Referee: R Matthews (Westmeath).



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