Damien Richardson has questioned Cork City's title credentials following his side's 2-0 defeat to Shamrock Rovers at Tolka Park on Tuesday.

Cork failed to sparkle throughout and Richardson criticised the lack of discipline that allowed Rovers edge in front in the first half.

Rovers, who at times have struggled to make set pieces count this season, took the lead when Barry Ferguson headed home David Cassidy's free kick.

"I don't care how young or inexperienced players are, when you come into Cork City's team you adhere to the basic demands.  That is discipline.  We showed none," he said.

"We were controlling the first half, moving the ball well, but then conceded a daft goal.  We found we were playing against nine men in and around their penalty area because of that daft goal.

"If you have title credentials you just do not give soft goals away."

Tuesday's result was Cork's second successive away defeat following the 4-1 humiliation in Sligo almost three weeks ago.

Richardson concedes his team, who are now 10 points off leaders St Patrick's Athletic in fifth, are under mounting pressure to produce results at home from here on in.

"You don't concede goals of that nature if you're going to win a title.  The essence of any manager of quality is that he's always questioning himself and his players.

"If players are happy with the lack of discipline then there's something wrong somewhere. The break can't come quick enough.

"The reality is this result puts pressure on us ahead of Friday's game with Derry City."

While delighted with his side's performance, Rovers manager Pat Scully is urging his players to maintain focus ahead of tomorrow's home game with Bray Wanderers.

Having beaten Drogheda and now Cork in the space of a few days, Scully insists his high-flyers must maintain this run of form as the club won't be making significant moves in the transfer window.

"We want to achieve something this season and to do that you have to beat the top teams," he said.  "It's been a good week but it's important we keep our focus and go out and perform again on Friday.

"The window is difficult for us.  Finance and player availability usually go hand in hand but we don't really have the finances.  So availability will be really important to us.

"We've got good set of players but financially we don't have the same power as the Bohemians, Droghedas and Corks.  It's definitely a little easier for them.  But we'll see what we can do."