Shels vs. Vikings - my ratings

Robbie Horgan: 5.5
Another worrying performance. Confidence tends to ebb or flow within a team from the goalkeeper outwards, so Robbie's current uncertainty under the high ball and inability to hold long-range shots is potentially damaging to the whole side. Made a superb save from Jason Byrne in the second half, but should perhaps be rested and replaced with Brendan Kennedy while he remains so manifestly out of form.

Pierre Ennis: 3.5
Less said the better. Given his excellent performance in midweek, however, we can safely write this off as a temporary blip.

Wes Byrne:6
Another frustrating display from the experienced full-back. Full of good ideas, but communcation twixt brain and feet sadly lacking at the moment. Doesn't inspire confidence defensively. One can't escape the feeling that he'll come good eventually, however, given the fluctuating pattern on his play last season.

Thomas McGauley: 8.5
Back to his composed, surefooted, intelligent best. Hard to believe that he's been at the club since the Home Farm/Everton/Fingal days without being snapped up by a bigger outfit.

Ben Whelehan: 8
Looks to be developing a fine understanding with McGauley, as evinced by the Italianate perfection of the pair's flawless offside trap.

Ray Scully: 3
See Pierre Ennis, and multiply by ten. All the more baffling after his outstanding game against Pat's.

Cottsy O'Connor:6
Kept plugging away down the left, but only occasionally posed any danger to the champions' defence. Faded as the game wore on before being replaced. A talented player who will see better nights in Viking colours.

Dom Tierney: 5.5
A handful of decent passes aside, it's hard to point to anything he did that warrants further selection in the immediate future.

Jason Colwell: 6.5
Went missing in the first half, but bordered on the swashbuckling for the last twenty minutes. Needs to impose himself on the game more.

Paul Crowley: 6.5
Again the pick of City's three central midfielders, but lost his head (and half a mark) when hauling down Jason Byrne for the killer penalty.

Gary O'Neill: 9
Trojan performance again from the little front man, who must have been incredibly dispirited to see his hard work and dangerous crossing count for naught for the want of Viking bodies in the box. Will create at least ten goals a season for any semi-competent strike partner. Why not give him one?

SUBS
Killian Brennan: 6
Looked a threat, without ever really posing a threat. When he hits form and finds full fitness, City will reap enormous benefits.

Barry Burke: 6
Back at right-full, and again played as well as a midfielder can be expected to in that position. Slightly wasteful in possession towards the end.

Philly Hughes: 7
Singlehandedly brought City within touching distance of a point they didn't deserve. Set up one goal and almost engineered a late equaliser with his direct running down the left channel.