Despite a fretful first half, Shamrock Rovers continued their goal-scoring form at Turner’s Cross this evening, a second half spree seeing off a spirited Cork City.

Although Rovers arrived eight places above their hosts in the league standings, Cork began well, stifling the space for away players and in Fiana Bradley up front, had a superb outlet as the forward doggedly harried the Hoops’ backline.

It said much about the lack of early fluidity for Rovers that it took twenty-five minutes for a clearcut opportunity to arrive, Savannah McCarthy planting a free header over the top.

Larkin then glanced her header wide, as Cork failed to plug the gaps that full-back and away captain, Jessica Gargan was profiting from with a slew of crosses.

Ten minutes before the break and Bradley showed her speed, latching onto a Lauren Walsh clearance forcing Amanda Budden to hoof clear, an action that forced her off injured, Summer Lawless on.

Home skipper, Ciara McNamara was leading by example, the Cork defender alert, brave and effusing a calmness across her team as Rovers found themselves frustrated by a last-ditch block or a fluffed final pass.

Having defended valiantly for the first period, it will sting Cork that they conceded just two minutes after half time.

It was a cheap concession too, Larkin whipping in a corner onto the head of Joy Ralph who peeled off in celebration, her first Hoops’ goal since joining from DLR Waves.

Larkin then accelerated away on the counterattack which served as a warning to City, with Aine O’Gorman’s arrival not drowning out the vocal home support.

The former Irish international had a telling influence, however.  Advancing on a mazy dribble, she brilliantly picked out the run of Larkin, the youngster tucking a fine finish across Hannah Walsh into the bottom corner, her fifth goal in two games!

As Cork tired, Rovers upped the ante ruthlessly, Larkin denied her second by the post.

Her team, though, were irrepressible and duly made it three when Stephanie Zambra drilled a precise strike into the corner, Rovers’ quality shining through clouding the sunny Cork atmosphere.

All the goals coming in a devastating twenty-one-minute spell for a Cork side who had commendably and defiantly withstood their visitors in the first half.

There was late icing on Rovers’ cake as Ralph turned provider in additional time, firing a cross in for Melissa O’Kane to finish coolly, reward for her tireless running all game. 

Four for the Hoops today coupled with five against Cork earlier this season at home.

Rovers return to Tallaght next Saturday hosting Sligo in the ‘Rover’s derby’ (5:30pm).  Cork, meanwhile, have a daunting trip to league leaders, Peamount United at PRL Park (5pm KO), both sides perhaps with their upcoming Cup quarterfinal on their minds.

One which Cork will hope to write a surprising, new, plot twist in this rivalry’s next chapter.