Three red cards for Rovers as Cork edge to 1-0 victory

rte.ie:

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