FAI Cup Report: Cork City 0 - 1 Derry City

A second-half header by Sam Todd proved to be the difference tonight for Derry at Turner's Cross. They were pushed all the way by a determined Cork City side, who gave a good account of themselves. The result keeps Derry's dreams of a double alive.

It was a disappointment for the First Division side, who more than played their part. They created plenty of opportunities, especially in the first half. Cork City will be looking forward to more games like this next season.

Both managers made two changes, with Sean Maguire making his first start since his return to the club. He started up front in a nominal 4-4-2 as Clancy looked to change his system. Greg Bolger also started in midfield, with Josh Fitzpatrick and Barry Coffey dropping to the bench. They were joined by Niall Brookwell, who took the place of John O’Donovan in a change to the original team sheet.

Danny Mullen started up front for the visitors, with Shane McEleney taking his place in defence. Mark Connolly and Daniel Kelly missed out.

The home side started on the front foot, but it was the visitors who almost went ahead early on. Danny Mullen picked up the ball via a lightning-fast break through the home midfield.

He was about to strike before Charlie Lyons took him down just outside the area. The free-kick was played out wide to Paul McMullan, who was unmarked. His low drive was palmed away by Brad Wade, and Cork cleared it.

City were creating decent chances of their own, and the returnees had two opportunities. A corner rebounded off a Derry defender to Ruairi Keating, who fired just over the bar. Sean Maguire then fired just wide after a decent move.

Both sides were giving as good as they got in an open half. The slickness of Derry’s passing in midfield was proving easy on the eye, but the home defence stood firm.

Evan McLaughlin was proving to be a nuisance as he came forward from left-back. He had a fierce free-kick held by Brian Maher before neat footwork saw him skip past Ben Doherty, and his curling drive went just over. Maher also had to come out to deny Keating.

The Cork striker almost provided the breakthrough right on half-time. He was played inside by the busy Dijksteel before running clear and slotting it to the right of Maher. Only a last-ditch clearance by Ciaran Coll denied him.

City began the second half in fine fashion with a long-range effort by Sean Murray. He was unfortunate to see it go just over the bar. Higgins was clearly angered by the amount of space being afforded and shuffled his deck to tighten up in midfield.

Keating was unlucky with a header after good build-up play by Cathal O’Sullivan and Greg Bolger. A moment of controversy then occurred as Dijksteel went to ground under pressure in the area, but the referee ruled he had gone down too easily.

The half was perhaps not producing as many chances as the first, but it was still keenly contested. Derry began to exert pressure through the set-piece delivery of Doherty. Patrick Hoban was unlucky to see one header go just over.

The pressure eventually told. Another inswinger was met firmly by the head of substitute Sam Todd, who powered it into the net. A similar chance minutes later was held by Wade.

Cork almost found a response when O’Sullivan played it through for Keating. He spun and shot from a tight angle, but Maher did superbly to tip it over the bar.

They were unable to find the necessary equaliser to take it to extra time, despite four minutes of injury time.

It's back to league business for both sides next weekend. Derry have a tough game away to Waterford on Friday, whilst Cork have a derby game against Cobh Ramblers.

Cork City: Bradley Wade; Darragh Crowley, Cian Coleman, Charlie Lyons, Evan McLaughlin; Malik Dijksteel (Cian Murphy 76), Greg Bolger, Sean Murray, Cathal O'Sullivan;
Subs not used: Aidan Dowling, Barry Coffey, Conor Drinan, Niall Brookwell, Jack Doherty, Josh Fitzpatrick, Arran Healy, Matthew Kiernan.
Booked: Charlie Lyons (05), Evan McLaughlin (22), Ruairi Keating (45), Sean Murray (79)
Sent off: None.

Derry City: Brian Maher; Ben Doherty, Shane McEleney, Cameron Dumigan, Ciaran Coll; Michael Duffy, William Patching, Adam O’ Reilly (Sam Todd 52), Paul McMullan (Daniel Kelly 86); Patrick Hoban, Danny Mullan (Sadou Diallo 71).
Subs not used: Tadhg Ryan, Evan Ovendale, Colm Whelan, Aaron Heaney, Callum Doherty, Conor Barr.
Booked: Patrick Hoban (07), Adam O’ Reilly (49)
Sent off: None

Referee: Marc Lynch
Attendance: 3169
extratime.com Player of the Match: Ruairi Keating.