Match Summary
Shamrock Rovers defeated Cork City 4:1. The match was played in Premier Division 2025. Goals were scored by M. Noonan 6′, R. Lopes 26′, M. Noonan 29′, R. Gaffney 49′, A. Nolan 69′. 5 yellow cards were shown. Shamrock Rovers had 55% possession while Cork City held 45%. Shamrock Rovers had 15 shots (8 on target) compared to 12 (3 on target) for Cork City. Shamrock Rovers made 5 substitutions, Cork City made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Shamrock Rovers and Cork City — 5 goals and 5 cards recorded during the match.
assist: D. Mandroiu
assist: D. Watts
assist: T. Clarke
assist: D. Mandroiu
assist: G. Bolger
Match Statistics
Shamrock Rovers had 55% possession against Cork City's 45%. Shamrock Rovers registered 15 shots (8 on target) while Cork City managed 12 (3 on target). Corner kicks: 7–1. Fouls committed: 10–10.
Lineups
Shamrock Rovers lined up in a 5-3-2 formation under Stephen Bradley, while Cork City deployed a 4-4-2 under Gerard Nash.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Shamrock Rovers is 7.01, compared to 6.83 for Cork City. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Shamrock Rovers's highest-rated starter is R. Lopes (7.27), while Cork City's best-rated player is G. Bolger (6.92).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Shamrock Rovers have contributed 11 goals and 2 assists this season, led by R. Gaffney (9G). Cork City's starters account for 9 goals and 7 assists, spearheaded by K. Nelson (5G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Shamrock Rovers deploy 5 defenders rated 7.27 on average, against Cork City's 4-man backline averaging 6.81. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Shamrock Rovers field 3 midfielders averaging 6.94, versus Cork City's 4 rated 6.85. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Shamrock Rovers start 2 forward(s) averaging 6.82, compared to 2 for Cork City averaging 6.80. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 57% for Shamrock Rovers and —% for Cork City. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Shamrock Rovers's starters have collected 7 yellow cards this season, compared to 27 for Cork City. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Shamrock Rovers's starting XI is 32.3 (youngest: D. Watts (28), oldest: R. Gaffney (36)), while Cork City average 23.7 (youngest: C. O'Sullivan (18), oldest: G. Bolger (37)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Shamrock Rovers's starters average 31 league appearances each, versus 25 for Cork City. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Shamrock Rovers have recorded 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 defeats. Cork City show 1 wins, 1 draws and 4 losses from their last 6 outings.
Shamrock Rovers
Cork City
Head to Head
Shamrock Rovers and Cork City have met 4 times — Shamrock Rovers won 2, Cork City won 0, with 2 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Shamrock Rovers leads the head-to-head with 2 victories from 4 meetings. A combined 11 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.75 per match (8 for the home side, 3 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 3 matches (75%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 games (25%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Shamrock Rovers are currently unbeaten in the last 4 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 4–1 in 2025.
2
Shamrock Rovers
2
Drawn
0
Cork City
Recent Meetings (4)
API data: 15 Mar 2026