- Caeliv Donnelly
- Sat, Apr 05 2008
The relief was palpable around Turners’ Cross last night as Cork City registered their first league win of the FAI Premier league campaign with a scrappy and dour 1-0 win over the visiting students from UCD.
While City boss Alan Matthews will be delighted with the win, the result was somewhat fortunate as a dubious penalty award in the 68th minute by referee Damien Hancock proved the catalyst for the three points. John O’Flynn was released down the right hand side of the penalty box and was seemingly fouled under a challenge from UCD defender Killian Gallagher and Hancock had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Dave Mooney who, despite the expectant crowd in front of the shed – blasted his penalty high into the right hand corner of the net.
In truth it was one of the few bright sparks in another turgid game in front of another good crowd of 3,368. One has to take their hat off to the Club promotion people at Cork City as early season attendances have been excellent despite the home team’s inability to break down the lines of defenders that usually greet them on most match nights so far this season.
The game followed a similar pattern to Cork City’s previous home games against Bray Wanderers, Derry City and Drogheda United. City had the lion share of possession but clear-cut chances were few and far between. Indeed it was a Cork City defender who had the home sides’ best chance of the half on 27 minutes when Dan Murray headed poorly from a George O’Callaghan corner, despite being free and having a clear look at the students net.
The game was lit up by a piece of wonderful play from UCD’s Shane Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald, who was coming into the team replacing Timmy Purcell, dispossessed Danny Murphy outside his own box and took off on a 60 yard run showing some incredible pace, beating 3 City would be challenges, before Mick Devine had to smartly parry his shot out for a corner.
Cork City came out much the stronger in the second half and in the run up to the goal started to completely dominate the proceedings. George O’Callaghan had an excellent chance on 50 minutes but his volley was well parried by Matt Gregg in the UCD goal after he was released by John O’flynn. City Full back Neal Horgan was next to threaten but Gregg was again excellent to block his long range effort on 56 minutes.
After the goal incident UCD were forced to come out and attack a little more but boss Pete Mahon will be disappointed as his side never really looked like threatening the Cork goal in the second half. When they did engineer some decent opportunities to test the home defence from set plays – the final ball was more often than not inadequate. Only Paul Byrne tested Mick Devine in the second half with 10 minutes left, but his snapshot in the box was straight at the Cork net minder.
Cork City: Michael Devine; Neal Horgan, Dan Murray, Cillian Lordan, Danny Murphy; Colin Healy, Joe Gamble, George O’Callaghan (Pat Sullivan 54), Liam Kearney; John O’Flynn (Denis Behan 74), Dave Mooney.
Subs not used: Mark McNulty, Dave Mulcahy, Alan O’Connor.
Booked: None.
UCD: Matt Gregg; Alan Mahon, Conor Kenna, Brian Shorthall, Killian Gallagher (Timmy Purcell 77); Alan McNally, Shane Fitzgerald, Brian King, Patrick McWalter; Paul Byrne, Ronan Finn.
Subs not used: Billy Brennan, Darren Forsythe, John Reilly, Evan McMillan.
Booked: Gallagher (54), Gregg (67).
Referee: Damien Hancock.
Attendance: 3,368
Beamish Man of the Match: Liam Kearney (Cork City).
