Dolan makes case for defence as City set sights on Hoops

CORK CITY manager Pat Dolan yesterday paid tribute to his goal-scoring hot-shots John O’Flynn and George O’Callaghan and quickly emphasised the part played in their exciting start to the season by City’s defence.

“Scoring three goals at Flancare Park to beat Longford was great” he said, “and I am delighted that our centre-forwards are making such good headlines. But it would be wrong to underplay the contribution of our defenders. There is little point in scoring three goals if you let in four and the team did great to deny Longford a goal. The blank scoresheet for Longford was the icing on the cake,” he said.

Cork’s early run to the top of the eircom League table and the free-scoring form of O’Flynn and O’Callaghan is very similar to their experience last season. And Shamrock Rovers’ manager Liam Buckley was quick to point to developments in the second-half of season when he looked forward to tomorrow’s match at Richmond Park.