Friendly Report: Limerick FC 2 - 5 Cork City

Cork City defeated Limerick FC by five goals to two in a highly entertaining affair at the Markets Field as both sides continued their preparations for the new SSE Airtricity League season.

Cork City began brightly and went ahead in the opening quarter as Sean Maguire headed home from a Stephan Dooley cross delivered in from the left hand side of the field.

Midway through the first half, Limerick equalised through Chris Mulhall. Keith Ward split the Cork defence with a superb through ball which Mulhall converted from close range following a mistake by Mark McNulty.

However, Cork restored their lead shortly afterwards as Sean Maguire easily turned past Robbie Williams before finishing from eight yards. One minute after the restart, Cork scored the fourth goal of the game. Ian Turner was allowed far too much room on the right hand side, allowing him to deliver a cross for opposite winger Stephan Dooley to nod home from close range.

The Rebel Army continued to dominate at the beginning of the second half as a Stephan Dooley free kick was saved by the busy Freddy Hall. Cork City introduced several substitutions on the hour mark which disrupted the flow of the game. As a result, Limerick managed to gain a foothold and apply some pressure on the Cork rearguard. With 20 minutes remaining, Ross Mann pulled a goal back for the Super Blues after a poor clearance allowed him to blast a left footed shot past Mark McNulty, with the goal causing Limerick supporters to spring to life.

Limerick had a decent opportunity to grab an equaliser as Cork captain John Dunleavy gave away a free kick on the edge of the box. However, Shane Duggan’s effort was gathered easily by Mark McNulty.

The victory was sealed with five minutes to go as Karl Sheppard headed home an in-swinging cross from the impressive Stephan Dooley. John Caulfield will certainly be delighted with the performance of Dooley and Cork supporters have plenty of reason to be optimistic based on tonight’s evidence. Cork City finished the game in style and completed the rout in the final minute through a superb strike by Garry Buckley from the edge of the area.

Overall, Cork City will be very happy with the performances of new signings Greg Bolger, Stephan Dooley and Sean Maguire. The trio contributed greatly to an accomplished performance from the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division outfit. Limerick will be disappointed with the final outcome and will be hoping to improve defensively before the season begins.

Limerick FC: Freddy Hall, Shane Costelloe (Ross Mann 46), Paudie O’Connor (Seamus Sharkey 46), Robbie Williams, Shane Tracey (Tommy Cooney 46), Shane Duggan, Paul O’Connor (Liam McCartan 81), Lee-J Lynch, Keith Ward (Jordan Moore 46), Stephan Kenny, Chris Mulhall (Colm Murphy 80).

Subs Not Used: Tommy Holland

Yellow Cards: Kenny (49)

Cork City: Mark McNulty, Eoghan O’Connell, Alan Bennett (Colin Healy 64), Kenny Browne, John Dunleavy, Ian Turner (Kyle Macleod 78), Greg Bolger (Garry Buckley 64), Gavan Holohan (Karl Sheppard 64), Stephan Dooley (Edioze Ogbene 80), Gearoid Morrissey (Craig Donnellan 80), Sean Maguire (Michael McSweeney 78).

Subs Not Used: Alan Smith

Yellow Cards: None.

Referee: Robert Hennessy

Attendance: 300 (Estimate)

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Stephan Dooley (Cork City)