Cork frustrated as Hoops hold firm

UNLESS you’re a supporter of either of these clubs, the best you could hope for from a night dedicated to player solidarity would have to be a draw.

Despite the lack of goals, this was an entertaining Premier Division clash. It was a better point for the visitors, though, seeing as they emerged unscathed despite being second best all evening and reaffirmed their grip on second place.

The players had emerged from the tunnel in PFAI-organised unity, their slogan-bearing t-shirts a gesture aimed at showing “the level of support between the professional players within the League of Ireland and the uncertainty that surrounds players’ employment at some clubs”, according to a PFAI statement released at kick-off.

The City shirts asked for “Contract Commitment From Clubs”. The Rovers players garments were embroidered with the message: “Players Supporting Players”.

Rovers Captain, Shane Robinson, said: “I know from my own experience at Drogheda last year how tough it is for the players at Cork and tonight it was felt by both teams that it isn’t acceptable in a professional league that people would go this long without pay and be expected to accept it.”

His opposite number, Dan Murray, said: “It is great to know you have the support of your fellow professionals and for Rovers players to get involved shows the respect that there is between all players in the League of Ireland.

“Contract stability is the one thing we all want and unfortunately this again has proven something which cannot be delivered at Cork City.”

On the pitch, a full-blooded and free-flowing contest provided little in the way of chances.

Solidarity was eventually thrown out the window 10 minutes into the second half when a late challenge on City midfielder Cillian Lordan sparked a mass skirmish that resulted in yellow cards for City left back Danny Murphy and visiting skipper Shane Robinson.

The tempo was maintained but still a goal eluded us. A nice build-up involving Danny Murphy and Faz Kuduzovic did allow Billy Dennehy to get away a vicious low strike in the 65th minute but it was dealt with fairly comfortably by Barry Murphy. Ten minutes later Rovers finally had an attempt on target but Dan Connor was equal to Gary Twigg’s header.

The best moment of the match arrived on 83 minutes when sub Timmy Kiely slid through an incredible ball to find Billy Dennehy but Murphy had advanced just in time to foil what would have been a deserved winner.

CORK CITY: D Connor; G O’Halloran, D Murray (capt), K Long, D Murphy; D O’Neill, J Gamble, C Lordan, B Dennehy; G Cambridge (T Kiely, 64), F Kuduzovic.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: B Murphy; P Sullivan, C Sives, D Maguire, O Cahill; S Bradley (P Kavanagh, 82), S Robinson (capt), S Rice, S O’Connor (D Baker, 62) ; Twigg, T Purcell.

Referee: Paul Tuite (Dublin).

Att: 3,691.