Cork City made it back to back victories as they defeated eight man Shamrock Rovers at Turners Cross on Friday night.
It is a result that should further boost Cork City confidence, as they seek to consolidate their position in the top flight of Irish football.
While could this loss for Rovers be another indicator we might well be in for a compelling Premier Division title race in 2023 ?
In front of an electric atmosphere at Turners Cross, the early exchanges were eagerly contested by both, with City determined to build on the victory against Sligo Rovers last weekend.
Stephen Bradley's Hoops, looking to get the shock home defeat to Drogheda United last time out of their system, saw their first sighting of goal on 9 minutes but Richie Towell fired wide of the mark.
Rovers indeed looked to turn the screw with their attacking pressure, with the likes of Jack Byrne doing his best to forge an opening. On the 15 minute mark, Markus Poom went close for the visitors with a strike on the half-volley that went just wide of the left hand corner.
The City defence held firm and soaked up the attacking pressure, with their workrate off the ball clearly evident.
On the half hour, Rovers threatened with two quick fire efforts, as Gary O’Neill went close with a strike from distance, before Towell blasted wide on the edge of the box.
Rovers were reduced to ten men in the 37th minute, when Towell was shown a straight red card following an off the ball incident with City’s Gordon Walker inside the box.
Cork threatened in the early stages of the second half and were growing in belief, with Walker shooting just over from a free kick which broke into his path.
Shamrock Rovers went down to nine men, when Johnny Kenny was shown a second yellow card only five minutes after being introduced.
Rovers were losing their discipline and remarkably a third Rovers player was sent off when Sean Hoare was given his marching orders by match referee Sean Grant on 63 minutes.
Now with a golden opportunity to secure the three points, City pushed men forward as they attacked the Shed End. On 80 minutes, Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh did well to create space for himself, but he was unable to hit the target.
However, in the 85th minute City found the breakthrough. Following a neat ball across the goalmouth from Kevin Čustović, Ruairi Keating finished with composure for his 7th league goal of the season.
Next up for City is a massive away game against Drogheda United, a contest which could go a long way to deciding who finishes in the relegation playoff spot.
Rovers are at home to Dundalk next weekend and Stephen Bradley’s side will be determined to overcome their recent slump in form.
Cork City: Jimmy Corcoran; Gordon Walker(John O'Donovan, 82), Tunde Owolabi(Cian Murphy, 82) , Aaron Bolger, Ruairi Keating, Barry Coffey(Daniel Krezic, 68) , Darragh Crowley, Josh Honohan, Kevin Čustović, Jonas Häkkinen, Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh.
Shamrock Rovers: Leon Pöhls; Sean Hoare, Roberto Lopes, Daniel Cleary, Sean Kavanagh, Gary O’Neill, Richie Towell, Markus Poom(Darragh Nugent, 76) , Rory Gaffney(Johnny Kenny, 56) , Neil Farrugia(Ronan Finn, 67) , Jack Byrne(Aaron Greene, 76).
Referee: Sean Grant (Wexford).
