League Report: Finn Harps 0 - 1 Cork City

Ten-man Cork City piled the misery on Finn Harps despite an inspired performance from the Leagues out of form side.

Sean Maguire converted a controversial penalty mid-way through the second half to give his side a 1-0 win in a thrilling contest.

Ollie Horgan made five changes to his side that lost 1-0 to Longford Town on Friday night, hoping to stop the rot at seven defeats in a row, but a monumental task facing second placed Cork City.

Cork City kept up the pace with Dundalk on three days ago, beating Shamrock Rovers 3-0 at home, Manager John Caulfield named one change to that side which tasted victory, bringing Dave Mulcahy into the defence in place of Kenny Browne.

Both sides started the match well, the opening five minutes saw Cork apply heavy pressure to the home goal, but the defence soaked it up well and created some chances of their own.

Both sides continued to play well, the home defence dealing very well with the Cork attack, mid-way through the first half, Ruairi Keating had the best chance of the match so far, a lovely through ball from Dave Scully set up his strike partner, but Keating’s effort was well blocked.

The sides went in 0-0 at the break after an inspired first half defensive performance from Finn Harps.

Cork applied some heavy pressure in spells but couldn’t find a way through a tough defence. Harps likewise created a number of chances, with their best efforts coming from distance.

The second half started in a similar fashion to the first, with Cork applying pressure but the defence was like a brick wall.

The Harps solid defence was finally broken down on 68 minutes after Ciaran Coll fouled Buckley in the penalty area. Referee Paul Tuite instantly pointed to the spot to the disappointment of the home crowd and bench. Sean Maguire scored the resulting spot kick in cool fashion from 12 yards.

Cork had to play the remaining 15 minutes with 10 men after Steven Beattie was sent-off for a second yellow. Referee Tuite called back the foul much to the annoyance of Keating.

After the red card, Harps passed the ball well in midfield, created chance after chance, but found themselves in the situation that Cork were in in the first half.

Finn Harps had a couple of late free kicks but ultimately it was Cork City who held onto win the match.

Finn Harps have now lost eight games on the bounce without scoring but the fans will be overwhelmed with their sides performance tonight in a match, which on paper looked like an easy away win.

It was anything but that for Cork who keep up the pace with League Leaders Dundalk.

Finn Harps: Ciaran Gallagher; Ciaran Coll, Keith Cowan, Josh Mailey; Michael Funston(Ryan Curran 73), Sean Houston, Adam Hanlon(Tony McNamee 78), Ethan Boyle, Barry Molloy(Gareth Harkin 55); Ruairi Keating, Dave Scully.

Subs not used: Richard Brush, Packie Mailey, Mark Coyle, Kevin McHugh.

Yellow Cards: Funston (6).

Cork City: Mark McNulty; Kevin O'Connor, Alan Bennett, Steven Beattie, Dave Mulcahy; Greg Bolger, Stephen Dooley (Michael McSweeney 79), Garry Buckley, Gearoid Morrissey(Mark O'Sullivan 90+2); Karl Sheppard(Danny Morrisey 57), Sean Maguire.

Subs not used: Colin Healy, Gavin Holohan, Matthew Connor, Ian Turner.

Yellow Cards: O'Connor (24), Bolger(42), Beattie (54, 77), Buckley(73).

Sent-Off: S. Beattie (77).

Referee: Paul Tuite.

Attendance: 551.

ExtraTime.ie Man of the Match: Ciaran Coll (Finn Harps).