Europa League Report: Cork City 1 - 1 Linfield

 

City looked to be flying it early in the second-half when Sean Maguire, for the second time in a week, converted a penalty. However, Mark Stafford equalized for Linfield to ensure a tense finish to the tie. John Caulfield’s side held on for the victory, though, and they can now look forward to facing Swedish side BK Hacken next Thursday.

 

Big European nights and Turner's Cross are always something to savour. The Shed End was in great voice and, allied with the atmosphere generated by the large visiting Blues contingent, really fostered a sense of occasion – and perhaps adds substance to the arguements of those who would like to see the return of a competition similar to the Setanta Cup, or even an All-Ireland league.

 

It was the League of Ireland who had the advantage over the Irish League before kick-off, as City came into the game with a goal advantage following last week’s narrow 1-0 win at Windsor Park.  

 

And the Leesiders started the game the brighter of the two sides here, knocking the ball around well with Kevin O’Connor looking a right threat down the wings.

 

Despite creating a number of half-chances in the opening 45 minutes, the game gradually became a scrappy affair as the game reached its interval. Steven Beattie saw his shot saved before Stephen Dooley, one of City's best performers on the night, went close with an effort into the side-netting.

 

There were only a few minutes of the second-half played when City took the lead on the night. They were awarded a spot-kick after Maguire was brought down in the area by Matthew Clarke. The City front man, just like he did a week previously, was successful from the spot courtesy of a low finish to the bottom left corner.

 

However, Linfield would get a goal back just minutes later, as former City player Ross Gaynor delivered a decent free-kick into the penalty area and on hand was Mark Stafford to head the ball into the back of the net.

 

By this stage there was a tense atmosphere around the ground, the City faithful fully aware that another Linfield goal would knock them out courtesy of the away goals rule. Paul Smith was dangerous up front for the visitors, but despite their threat on the break they never tested Mark McNulty regularly enough to get a second on the night. With that in mind, City were determined to push for the insurance goal which would put the tie to bed.

 

Maguire saw his shot brilliantly saved by Roy Carroll in the Linfield goal, who was in excellent form for his side fresh off his involvement with the Northern Ireland squad at Euro 2016. The ex-Manchester United 'keeper made a number of fine stops to keep his side in the tie, saving well to deny City subs Mark O’Sullivan and Danny Morrissey who were introduced by Caulfield to get the crucial tie clincher.

 

Linfield pressed and tried to apply the pressure late on, but despite their best efforts, City did enough to progress and there was a sigh of relief when the referee blew for full-time.

 

For their efforts, the club have picked up €220,000 which is a very welcome financial boost for City. BK Hacken from Gothenburg now await as Caulfield's men get ready for the next chapter of their European Odyssey for 2016.

 

 

Cork City FC: Mark McNulty; Michael McSweeney (Mark O’Sullivan, 56),  Alan Bennett, Kenny Browne, Kevin O’Connor;  Steven Beattie, Gearóid Morrissey, Garry Buckley (Colin  Healy, 65), Gavan Holohan (Danny Morrissey, 57), Stephen Dooley; Sean Maguire.

Subs not used: David Coffey (gk), Karl Sheppard, Conor McCarthy, Ian Turner.

Booked: S Beattie (61).

 

   

Linfield:  Roy Carroll; Matthew Clarke (Michael McLellan, 89), Mark Stafford, Mark Haughey, Niall Quinn; Kirk Millar (Aaron Burns, 78), Stephen Lowry, Jamie Mulgrew, Ross Gaynor;  Andrew Waterworth, Paul Smyth.

Subs not used:  Gareth Deane (gk), David Kee, Thomas Murray, Reece Glendinning, Ross Clarke.

Booked: M Clarke (39).

 

 

Referee: Bartosz Frankowski (Poland).