Report: Limerick 37 0 - 2 Cork City

Holders Cork City advanced to the fourth round of the FAI Ford Cup in controversial circumstances at Jackman Park on Friday evening with a 2-0 win against their Munster rivals Limerick 37. Limerick 37 were a much improved side from last week’s 3-0 defeat to Waterford but it was Cork City’s Premier Division class that shown through at the end.

A goal from a debatable penalty by Dave Mooney after 56 minutes of play and a powerful header from Darren Murphy in the 80th minute were enough to see off the hosts and put Cork into the next round. Despite the supposedly difference in class between these two sides, Limerick will feel a two goal margin does not reflect the real story of the game.

Cork’s win was not without a scare as Limerick worked hard to withhold the pressure from Cork in the early stages of the game. Limerick also had their fair share of chances throughout the game. Their first real chance came in the 11th minute as Limerick's Chukwuma Manjor ran onto a Darren Harrington through ball only to watch on as his shot was saved by Cork goalkeeper Mick Devine.

During the remainder of the first half Limerick were the livelier of the two sides but going into half time they had nothing to show for their troubles. After Corks 3-0 win over Limerick in the League Cup last month, it was expected the hosts would be understandably nervous during this FAI Cup game.

Cork looked to have opened the scoring in the 24th minute through midfielder Joe Gamble but Cork’s Denis Behan was flagged offside as he ran from deep.

Mike Kerley’s young side showed no sign of nerves as they looked to put Cork’s experienced back four under constant pressure in the first half. Just before half time Limerick continued to shock Cork with their lack of respect for their Premier Division opponents when Pat Sullivan had to scramble back to clear the ball of the line after a Wayne Colbert shot.

Both sides held firm up until half time, as Limerick’s vocal home crowd seemed to urge their players to play with extra determination and belief that was lacking in recent home games. It remained 0-0 going into a well deserved half time break for both sides.

Limerick’s belief did not last much longer as Cork were awarded a penalty 11 minutes into the second half. Limerick full back Brian Cleary was harshly judged to have taken down Dave Mooney inside the area. After referee Padraic Sutton waved after the protests, Dave Mooney stepped up to make it 1-0 to the Leesiders. It is not unusual to see a penalty during a Limerick game this season. There have been 17 so far this campaign.

Cork wrapped up the scoring with 10 minutes to go when a Danny Murphy corner was headed home by Darren Murphy as he rose above the Limerick defence to advance the visitors into the 4th round.

Limerick 37: Dave Ryan; Brendan Daly, Peter White, Paul Danaher (Evan Quinlivan 82), Brian Cleary; Padraig Fogarty, Wayne Colbert, David Ryan, Derek McCarthy, Darren Harrington (Ross Cosgrave 75) Chimka Manjor.
Subs not used: Kevin Fitzpatrick, James Hayes, Willie Bruton.

Cork City: Michael Devine; Neal Horgan, Patrick Sullivan, Dan Murray, Danny Murphy; Cillian Lordan (David Meyler 87), Joe Gamble, Darren Murphy, Liam Kearney; Dave Mooney (Alan O'Connor 90) Denis Behan.
Subs not used: Mark McNulty, Darragh Ryan, Colin O'Brien, Colin Healy, John O'Flynn.

Referee: Padraigh Sutton (Clare).

Attendance: 1,050

Extratime Man of the Match: Wayne Colbert (Limerick 37) - Despite his sides exit from the cup, Wayne Colbert is deservedly the Extratime man of the match as his outstanding performance urged his side forward throughout the game.