Shelbourne 2-1 Cork City

Shelbourne 2-1 Cork City (12-7-13)

By Aidan Geraghty @1895Aidan

Shelbourne showed some real grind against Cork City tonight to collect an invaluable three points despite being on the back foot for parts of the contest. Lee Murtagh picked up his first allowed goal for Shels and Darren Tinnelly scored off the bench for the 2nd time against the Rebels this season. Kalen Spillane picked up a late goal to make it a nervy finish for the Reds but City couldn't get a second.

It was indeed Shelbourne who had the opening chance of the game as Lee Murtagh got through on goal straight from the kickoff but his shot was straight at McNulty. Then, Cork went down to the other end immediately and loanee Ciarán Kilduff didn't trouble Lee Murphy.
Shels had a lot of possession in the opening half but Adam Hanlon had the only real chance as he headed wide from a free kick. Kilduff and Kavanagh caused all sorts of problems for Gartland and Ryan but the two centre-halves admirably kept the Leesiders away from goal.

Not much more than 15 minutes into the second half, Seán Brennan overhit a cross which was salvaged by Shels' Ian Ryan and Tolka Park erupted as Lee Murtagh found the net to put the hosts 1-0 up. What followed was a controversial moment. The home fans erupted again, this time in anger, as Daryl Kavanagh was awarded a penalty by Tomney despite diving in the box. However , Tomney's linesman corrected the decision and Kavanagh was booked for his offence.

Then, Shels doubled their lead; Dunshaughlin native Darren Tinnelly, who equalised at the death in Turner's Cross in April, buried the ball in the back of the net after Mark McNulty saved numerous Reds attempts.

Kalen Spillane made it a nervy finish when his header beat Murphy in the Shels goal as the crowd were reminded of Graham Cummins' header two years ago. However, Cork couldn't find the equaliser and Johnny McDonnell's men picked up 3 points that move them within a point of Bohemians.

Shelbourne: Lee Murphy; Brian Shortall, Ian Ryan, Graham Gartland, Pat Flynn; Adam Hanlon (Craig Mooney), Glenn Cronin, Stephen Hurley, Seán Brennan, Derek Doyle (Darren Tinnelly); Lee Murtagh (Dean Kelly).

Cork City: Mark McNulty; John Kavanagh, Kalen Spillane, Garry Buckley, Neal Horgan; Ian Turner (Adam Rundle), John Dunleavy, Shane Duggan, Daryl Horgan; Ciarán Kilduff, Daryl Kavanagh (Denis Behan).

Referee: Derek Tomney

Attendance: 805.