Cork City 1-1 Shamrock Rovers

Shamrock Rovers earned a third draw in a row when they came from behind to take a point against a Cork side who should have had the three points wrapped up at Turners Cross.

Alan Matthew's side were on top when they deservedly went in front through a brave header from Liam Kearney after 58 minutes, but despite being on top they failed to score a second goal.

Rovers equaliser came when Sean O'Connor found the roof of the Cork net with a fine 12yard shot with ten minutes remaining.

In team news Cork selected the same starting eleven that won by 3-0 in Bray at the weekend, which meant that Darren Murphy retained his place in midfield, with international Joe Gamble who was available after suspension getting a place on the substitutes bench.

Rovers who had drawn with league champions Drogheda at the weekend 0-0 at Tolka Park made two changes, Danny O'Connor came in at full back with Alan Nurphy replacing Tadhg Purcell in attack.

Following a scoreless but competitive first half in which Cork had the better chances, the crowd of 2,500 fans were hoping for a bit more goalmouth action after the break.

The game which clashed with a welcome home party for the Heineken Cup winning heroes of Munster on the streets of Cork, which obviously had an effect on the attendance, almost saw a first goal three minutes into the second half, when a brilliantly struck 25 yard free kick from George O'Callaghan struck the visitors crossbar with goalkeeper Barry Murphy beaten.  

So with Cork getting on top it was no surprise when they took the lead after 58 minutes. A throw-in from Pat Sullivan flicked on by skipper Dan Murray and there was Liam Kearney who dived in bravely to head home at the far post.

Cork should have added to their advantage with their pressure leading to chances being created, like an effort from Dave Mooney that was taken off the line by Danny O'Connor.

But Pat Scully's side who worked hard all night scored an equaliser when the other O'Connor, Sean, made a little space for himself in the penalty area, before planting a shot high to the roof of Michael Devine's net, much to the delight of the Dublin followers.

It would have been a happy journey home for them and the Shamrock Rovers team bus after a draw, which seemed for most of the second half a little unlikely.

Rovers are finding a bit of form, as for Cork despite some fine football, they have been dropping too many late points in games where they seemed to be getting a just reward.

Cork City: Devine; Horgan, Murray, Sullivan, Danny Murphy; Healy, Darren Murphy, O'Callaghan, Kearney; Mooney, O'Flynn.
Substitutes: Gamble, Lordan, Behan for Kearney 87,O'Connor and McNulty.

Shamrock Rovers: B Murphy; O'Connor, Treacy, Price, Ferguson, Maguire, Doyle, Rice, Amond, A Murphy, S O'Connor
Substitutes: Langtry, Stapleton, Tyrell for Price 70, Coleman, Purcell for Amond 50.

Referee: Ritchie Winte (Dublin)