Cork City gave re-invigorated their promotion push tonight after taking all three points away from the Brandywell.
City’s player/assistant manager Greg O’Halloran was the unlikely scorer, netting his first for the season and in doing so put the Leesiders just six points outside the play-off spots. Youngster Seán Barron took his place on the bench as the sub-goalkeeper, the 16-year old filling in for Jonas Piechnik.
The first half provided little in terms of real scoring opportunities. Both sides defended well and cancelled out the opposition attacks. Aside from a long range effort easily saved by Mark McNulty, and some half chances from set-pieces, Cork City were comfortable in the opening forty-five minutes.
The only goal of the game arrived shortly after half time. George O’Callaghan whipped an excellent cross into the box from a corner kick, and O’Halloran rose highest to head home the vital goal. City looked dangerous prior to this, and the goal was the result of several corners in succession.
As excpected the game then swung in Derry’s favour, with a barrage of attacks on McNulty’s goal. City held firm, and O’Halloran was the hero down the other end of the pitch with a goal-line clearance, denying his former club an equaliser.
The three points move City to sixth, and with Waterford travelling to Turner’s Cross next Friday, it’s sureto be one of the most important Munster derbys in years.
Cork City
Starting Line-Up: McNulty, Turner, O’halloran, O’Neill, Duggan, Cummins, O’Callaghan, Lordan, Woods, Kavanagh, Barrett.
Substitutions: Morrissey for O’Callaghan (60mins), Cambridge for Barrett (72mins). Subs not used: Barron, Spillane, O’Sullivan.
