Cork City 2-1 Finn Harps

• Alan Smith
• Fri, Jul 23 2010


At long last Cork City gave their home support something to shout about with a decent win over a battling Finn Harps in the Aitricity First Division on Friday night.

For too long the City faithful were given the shorter end of the stick this season, but this performance brought some joy on a rare satisfying night. The old reliable Graham Cummins gave them an early goal to cheer and despite an onslaught from Harps, which brought some worrying moments, Shane Barrett’s goal shortly after half time doubled the advantage.

Marc Brolly may have reduced the lead with 25 minutes to go but the Leesiders held on for a much needed three points, though there were a few shaky moments at the back.

Even though he was only introduced from the bench, George O’Callaghan was back at Turner’s Cross, with fellow new signing Barrett making his home debut in an unchanged line-up from their defeat to Monaghan United.

Harps, meanwhile, were without their top-scorer in Kevin McHugh, serving the first of a three match ban, and Tony Shields replaced him with Gavin Cullen also starting in between the posts as they made two changes from last week’s draw at home to Waterford.

Cork supporters had sought after a more attacking formation at home after a string of poor results and they were finally granted their wish with Barrett lining up alongside Cummins in attack. Still, it was Harps that had the better chances in the early stages with Davitt Walsh, Michael Funston and Stephen McLaughlin all trying their luck.

Their solid start was soon undone though , because the resurgent Davin O’Neill raced down the right before crossing straight to the unmarked Cummins and the league’s top marksman couldn’t miss from six yards out to give City a 13th minute lead.

With both sides looking to move the ball forward it led to an entertaining game and Tony Shields’ ferocious blast went close for Harps in the 22nd minute. Cork, while rarely yielding good chances, did play some enterprising football along the ground at times and the midfield in particular showed a marked improvement from previous games.

If only the same could have been said about their defence! Mark McNulty had come in for some criticism for his distribution and Fabian Barthez like jaunts out from his line, so when Marc Brolly’s cross resulted in a loss of communication between the ‘keeper and Greg O’Halloran, you feared the worst. Funston blasted over a glorious opportunity with the goal opening up before his eyes when he really should have struck the back of the net.

Just as you think they might learn their lesson, another catastrophe was diverted seconds later as O’Halloran’s heroics kept City ahead. McNulty was left stranded yet again and on this occasion the defender cleared off the line from a stinging Brolly effort. In truth, Harps closed out the half as the more confident side and they pinned the home team back with their drives forward.

You’d have expected an equaliser the way they were playing, but only three minutes after the break Harps were dealt a cruel blow. A splendid through ball from Billy Woods was snatched on by Barrett and with loads of time to fire a shot, he carefully slotted the ball home from ten yards out.

Whereas City were made to sit back by Harps’ attacking play in the first half, the home team looked a lot more comfortable immediately after half-time and Cummins almost put further distance between the teams with a rocket of a header flying home after Barrett crossed to him.

Nevertheless, a quick break forward from Harps made the game a contest again, as Brolly finished off the move with a thunderbolt off his left boot which flew into the net.

It seemed like City were shying away from the challenge entering the final quarter and not for the first time they invited the away side into their box. A few close scrapes had the fans’ nerves jangling again but ‘The King’ was introduced ten minutes before the end and he seemed to settle the team at a pivotal time.

Both Cummins and Shane Duggan had excellent chances towards the final moments and it was ultimately a good night at the office despite the moments of unconvincing defending.

Cork City: Mark McNulty; Neal Horgan, Gavin Kavanagh, Greg O’Halloran, Eoghan Lougheed; Davin O’Neill (George O’Callaghan, 80), Cillian Lordan, Shane Duggan, Billy Woods; Shane Barrett, Graham Cummins (Gareth Cambridge, 90). Subs not used: Ian Turner, Gearoid Morrissey, Jonas Piechnik.

Finn Harps: Gavin Cullen; James Doherty, John Minnock, Packie Mailey, Matt Crossan; Stephen McLaughlin, Michael Funston, Tommy Bonner (Oisin McMenamin, 59mins), Marc Brolly; Davitt Walsh, Tony Shields. Subs not used: Gary Whoriskey, Mark Forker, Keith Cowan, James Gallagher.

Referee: Phil Caschera

Attendance: 1469

ExtraTime.ie Man of the Match: Billy Woods - rarely put a foot wrong without hogging the limelight.