- John O'Shea
- Sat, Jun 28 2014
Cork City FC kept their title challenge on track, as they came out on top in the Munster Derby after a 3-0 win over Limerick at Turner’s Cross on Friday night. The win meant that City move closer to Dundalk at the top of the table, following their draw with Derry City.
In a game watched by Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane, Cork were deserved winners on the night, with their attacking play proving more clinical than their opponents. Limerick put it up to them, but it was the Leesiders who came away with the local bragging rights.
Caulfield’s City side headed into the game just three points off leaders Dundalk and had striker Danny Morrissey on the bench for the first time this season in the league.
Limerick made the trip to Turner’s Cross on the back of a good run of form which saw them win their three previous league games in a row and they had a full choice squad to choose from heading into the game, with the exception of injured James McGrath. Stuart Taylor opted to go with the same starting eleven from their win over UCD before the break.
The game started in a lively fashion, typical of derby clash, with both sides showing their intent to attack and go for the win from the early stages of the game. Rory Gaffney had the first chance of the game for Limerick, but his shot was easily saved by McNulty in the City goal.
Cork took the lead on 20 minutes through Mark O Sullivan. He was on hand to head home from a long range free from Colin Healy at the back post.
That goal seemed to put City in control of proceedings, as they were the ones who looked more likely to get a second goal at the first half reached its conclusion. The Rebel Army had two chances from Billy Dennehy and Gearoid Morrissey, both of which were saved by Limerick’s Barry Ryan.
Limerick came out for the 2nd half full of intent, and Nzuzi went close went a spectacular volley. But it was to be Cork who would go 2-0 up after 60 minutes. The goal came courtesy of Gary Buckley, as he headed the ball into the back of the net from John Dunleavy’s cross, after the Donegal man made space down the left hand side to put the ball in for the incoming Buckley.
City went 3-0 up on 68 minutes, when O Sullivan got his second goal of the night with lovely finish from a Brian Lenihan cross. By this stage City upped the tempo and were in complete control of the game.
John Caulfield’s side passed the ball around with purpose and determination, as the continued to look for more goals. Billy Dennehy nearly scored again, as he tried a spectacular chip that went just over the bar, after seeing Ryan off his line. Buckley went close from a corner late on, but the work was done then as Cork City keep their title challenge on track.
Cork City: Mark McNulty; John Dunleavy, Dan Murray, Darren Dennehy (Robbie Williams 72 ), Brian Lenihan; Gearoid Morrissey, Colin Healy (Dave O Leary 78), Gary Buckley, Liam Kearney(Josh O Shea 55), Billy Dennehy; Mark O Sullivan
Subs not used: Kevin O Brian (gk), Ian Turner, Danny Morrissey, Rob Lehane, Iarfhlaith Davoren.
Bookings: Dan Murray (50), Gearoid Morrissey (74)
Limerick FC: Barry Ryan; Stephen Folan, Shaun Kelly, Patrick Nzuzi, Samuel Oji; Prince Agyemang (Robbie Williams 64), Danny Galbraith, Shane Duggan, Jason Hughes; Thomas Mc Manus (Ross Mann HT), Rory Gaffney.
Subs not used: Shane Cusack (gk), Shane Costelloe, Michael Leahy, Darragh Rainsford, Tony Whitehead.
Bookings: Samuel Oji (39), Shane Duggan (82)
Referee: Dave Mc Keon
Attendance: 2,726
Extratime Man of the Match: Mark O'Sullivan (Cork City)
