Shelbourne 2
Cork City 1
Andrew Dempsey reports at Tolka Park
LEAGUE LEADERS SHELBOURNE maintained their winning streak and
stretched their lead at top of the table to 11 points as they saw off Cork City
at Tolka Park on Friday evening.
Goals from Michael O’Connor and Ryan Brennan sealed the deal for the Reds who
earned a big 2-1 victory, despite the best efforts of Cian Murphy to earn the Leesiders a
valuable point in their play-off push.
While a resurgent Cork opted for one change, it was an unchanged Shels who started the
better of the two teams in front of 100 home supporters.
The Reds piled some early pressure on Colin Healy’s side – but they were unable to
pounce on several early corners in a dour opening to the game. And it was in fact Cork
who had the first effort on goal – but Dale Holland shot straight at Brendan Clarke.
But the hosts’ dominance grew later into the half, as John Ross Wilson went close before
the opened the scoring in the 36th minute as Michael O’Connor got his head on Georgie
Poynton’s free-kick to beat McNulty at his near-post.
They had chances to double their lead just before the break also, but both Ryan Brennan
and Shane Farrell could not convert in quick succession.
Shels continued their strong end to the first-half in the second, hitting the woodwork
twice through Kevin O’Connor and Luke Byrne. But they were caught out as Cian
Murphy levelled in the 49th minute.
Murphy – an ever-present for City this season – turned and shot home after picking up
on a ball fed into his path by Steven Beattie. However, that parity would not last long as
Shels retook the lead minutes later.
Holland’s misplaced pass was picked up by Michael O’Connor who then teed up
Brennan who slotted home to net his 10th league goal of the season with ease.
City battled bravely to try and grab a point from the jaws of defeat, as Gearoid Morrissey
and Darragh Crowley could not convert. Sub Dylan McGlade also went close late on
forcing a corner, but it was not to be as Shels continued their procession back to the top-
flight.
Shelbourne: Brendan Clarke; Kevin O’Connor, Ally Gilchrist, Luke Byrne (c), John
Ross Wilson; Dayle Rooney, George Poynton, JJ Lunney, Shane Farrell, Ryan Brennan;
Michael O’Connor.
Cork City: Mark McNulty; Gordon Walker, Jonas Hakkinen, Steven Beattie, Cian
Coleman; Gearóid Morrissey (c), Dale Holland (Jack Walsh 72), Jack Baxter; Beineon
O’Brien Whitmarsh (Dylan McGlade 68), Cian Murphy (Uniss Kargbo 85), Darragh
Crowley.
Referee: David Dunne.
First Division Results:
Athlone Town 0-0 Bray Wanderers
Cabinteely 1-2 UCD
Treat United 0-1 Galway United
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
I believe the point of difference that Farrell sees in Prendergast is the ” dog” in him. Just like POM that character trait is in his DNA. You can’t coach it.
@Tom Reilly: I know they cannot fit everyone but you’d wonder why Leinster let him go. It seems like he’d already proved he had the attitude to succeed and as soon as he stepped on the pitch for Connaught he looked the part.
@Ciaran Kennedy: I was thinking likewise regarding Leinster. Letting Beirne go and also Prendergast seems like bad judgement as both flourished as soon as they left.
@Tom Reilly: It could be that the disappointment of being cut triggered the drive to succeed.
@Ciaran Kennedy: mayby having jbf connan dorris penny and few more might made that decision
@Shane Canning: stacked with back row talent in Leinster , Deegan and Penny still not starters for example , more coming through each Academy year, bound to lose a few diamonds along the way
@Owen ODonoghue: scott penny not even earned a cap yet he nearly 25
@Owen ODonoghue: 24 next month i mean
@Tom Reilly: Well, he got his start ahead of Sam! Saturday will be the proving of him- I like him as a player and he definitely looked an Ireland player for 40mins last week. No one questions his creative playing ability. However, can he maintain his discipline? Conceding penalties is the only way England gets into this game – he needs to follow Joe Mc’s example from last week.
@Tom Reilly: Spot on. Can’t coach it. Its either in you or not. Although often maligned, the dog is an essential element of the game especially in its increasingly, mostly appropriately, sanitised form. The dog’ll put his head where many won’t. Big hopes for the lad tomorrow, hopefully all his efforts will bear fruit sans incurring penalties.
@Tom Reilly: That’s Dave up in head office stepping-in w/ his Ireland first attitude and desire to future proof player growth. Here the provinces work together!
Great player, could be a world class flanker.
Just goes to show the numbers of good young players that come through the Leinster school system. I guess some will always be missed but there is hope if they persevere.