- Tom Clancy
- Fri, Mar 31 2017
Goals from Sean Maguire and Garry Buckley gave Cork City a commanding lead before Gearóid Morrissey sealed the points moments into the second period. The result continues Cork City’s 100% start from 7 outings, and marks Limerick’s third defeat in just six games.
A tentative opening was sparked into life when Rodrigo Tosi, who has been formidable with his head, nodded narrowly wide after a counter-attack lead by Lee-J Lynch.
Limerick gifted City the lead after 20 minutes. The Blues were slow in possession in their own half and Tony Whiteheads poor control allowed Maguire race in to add to his already impressive account, sliding the ball past Brendan Clarke.
Maguire missed an open goal minutes later after tormenting Whitehead, before Stephen Dooley smashed the bar after a Karl Sheppard lay-off. The Rebels enjoyed a sustained period of dominance which culminated in their second goal.
A recycled attack saw Kevin O’Connor pick out the head of Garry Buckley who out-fought Tommy Robson at the back post to head home.
To their credit, the home side created an immediate opening in response, Paul O’Connor mishitting an effort from close range after a rare mistake by City.
Chiedozie Ogbene had caused problems to Cork, with Buckley cautioned after fouling his former teammate on a couple of occasions.
Limericks double change at the break backfired immediately. A change to 3-5-2 had hardly been implemented when Gearóid Morrissey flashed a shot home from 20-yards.
To their credit, Martin Russell’s side failed to wave the white flag. Chances for O’Flynn and Tosi barely threatened Mark McNulty, who was underemployed throughout.
Cork had chances from Maguire and Dooley to extend their lead, but a good save from Clarke and an excellent block from Shaun Kelly denied John Caulfield’s men. The league leaders were effective on the counter attack as the hosts struggled impact Alan Bennett and Ryan Delaney.
Cork can be delighted with their sides display on their first visit to the revamped Markets Field. The Rebels host Derry City next weekend, while Limerick face a trip to Inchicore to face St. Patricks Athletic.
Limerick FC: Brendan Clarke; Shaun Kelly, Robbie Williams, Tony Whitehead (David O’Connor 46), Tommy Robson (John O’Flynn 46); Lee J. Lynch, Shane Duggan, Paul O’Connor, Ian Turner, Chiedozie Ogbene, Rodrigo Tosi (Chris Mulhall 81)
Subs not used: Freddy Hall (gk), Stephen Kenny, Bastien Hery, Tobins Kainz,
Yellow Cards: Tosi (50), Kelly (52)
Cork City: Mark McNulty; Jimmy Keohane (Shane Griffin 63), Alan Bennett, Ryan Delaney, Kevin O’Connor; Conor McCormack; Gearóid Morrissey, Gary Buckley, Stephen Dooley (Christian Nanetti 85); Karl Sheppard, Sean Maguire (Connor Ellis 75)
Subs not used: Alan Smith (gk), John Kavanagh, Conor McCarthy, Alec Byrne.
Booked: Buckley (36), Keohane (56)
Referee: Neil Doyle
Attendance: 2,989
Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Sean Maguire (Cork City)
