- Philip Morrissey
- Fri, Mar 03 2023
Cork City recorded their first points and win of the season as they swept aside visitors UCD. Two goals in the first half from Matt Healy and Darragh Crowley put them in a commanding position before Ruairi Keating and Ethon Varian finished it off. They can start looking forward to moving up the table.
It was a disastrous game for the visitors however. Especially after a promising start to the campaign. They rarely threatened the promoted side and found themselves over-run at the back. It looks likely to be another season of struggle ahead for them.
Colin Healy made three changes from the away loss in Derry. Jimmy Corcoran, Matt Healy, and Daniel Krezic all came into the side in place of Tobi Oluwayemi, Jonas Hakkinen, and Ethon Varian.
Andy Myler made two alterations from the side who lost at home to Sligo Rovers. Mark Dignam and Harvey O’ Brien replaced Ryan Bowden and Daniel Norris.
The home side knew that it was crucial to start better than they had done in the previous two games. They almost got their reward for a decent period of attacking when Barry Coffey slotted home from close range.
The celebrations in the shed were cut short by an offside flag though. Coffey had another effort shortly after that was saved by Lorcan Healy for a corner.
They were not denied for too long though. It was the returning Matt Healy who provided the breakthrough for the Rebel army. It was a typically fierce drive from all of 25 yards into the bottom corner after they recycled possession from that set-piece. It gave his name-sake no chance at all to the delight of the home fans.
They were buoyed by this and continued to push from the front. Josh Honohan met a Healy free kick at the back post. He was unable to keep his header down though.
Daniel Krezic then found himself one-on-one with Healy after a mix-up in the UCD defence. He was unable to beat the goalkeeper though.
There were fears regarding City not taking their chances but that was relieved by a goal just before the half-time whistle. Darragh Crowley was the man who slotted home from close range to double the lead.
It was important that the home side did not rest on their laurels. Healy nearly landed another screamer from distance early into the half. The Students keeper was just about able to tip it over on this occasion though. The resulting corner led to nothing.
The third did arrive and it was Ruari Keating yet again. The striker was the club’s highest goal scorer last year netted his second of the season from close range. Substitute Ethan Varian got in on the party with his first goal for the club shortly after.
UCD were out on their feet and desperate just to keep the score down. City struck a post and Tunde Owolabi had a decent shout for a penalty that was turned down by the referee.
Delight and relief for the home support as they saw their first Premier Division win of the campaign. Colin Healy will be pleased by their application and desire throughout.
It will be tested when they face a journey next Monday at 8pm to reigning champions Shamrock Rovers. UCD have a tough encounter of their own as they welcome Derry to the UCD Bowl.
Cork City: Jimmy Corcoran; Cian Coleman, Ally Gilchrist, Matt Healy (Gordon Walker 72), Josh Honohan; Cian Bargary, Aaron Bolger, Barry Coffey (Ethon Varian 57), Darragh Crowley (Joe O'Brien Whitmarsh 76); Ruairi Keating (Tunde Owolabi 72), Daniel Krezic (Albin Winbo 57).
Subs not used: Aaron Mannix, John O'Donovan, Jonas Hakkinen, Kevin Custovic.
Booked: Josh Honohan (55), Ruairi Keating (63).
Sent off: None.
UCD: Lorcan Healy; Brendan Barr (Harry O'Connor 69), Ciaran Behan, Michael Gallagher, Jack Keaney, Harvey O'Brien; Mark Dignam (Divine Izekor 69), Donal Higgins, Dara Keane; Danu Kinsella Bishop, Alex Nolan (Sami Clarke 86).
Subs not used: Kian Moore, Ryan Bowden, Jesse Dempsey, Ryan McBrearty, Daniel Norris, Jake Doyle.
Booked: Donal Higgins (23), Alex Nolan (73).
Sent off: None.
Referee: Sean Grant
Attendance: 4,857
extratime.com Player of the Match: Darragh Crowley
