Derek O’Brien scored the only goal in this Munster derby at Turner’s Cross between Cork City and Limerick.
It was O’Brien’s first start for the Leesiders, meaning Vinny Sullivan dropped to the bench. Despire City’s attacking formation, it was Limerick who looked more dangerous in the opening stages. Peter Hynes recently signed for the Blue’s and provided the biggest threat, but he failed to convert two clear chances at the start of the half.
City’s first chance of the game also provided the first goal after 20 minutes. Derek O’Brien went on a brilliant run down the left, taking the ball past Garbhan Broughall with ease. he cut in and fired a shot at Barry Ryan but he could only parry the ball into the net. For the rest of the half City took control and should have doubled the lead through Gearóid Morrissey, who continues to impress. He took down a great ball by Davin O’Neill and with the goal at his mercy sent the ball just wide of the post.
After the restart, City should have scored again, this time O’Neill with the miss, heading over from a great position. At this point O’Brien was substituted due to injury, Vinny Sullivan taking his place.
The City faithful cryed out for a second goal, but it was not to be. Limerick threw men forward in the search of an equaliser, and there were a few edgy moments for the Turner’s Cross crowd. Shane Duggan was denied on the counter attack through a block by Bryan McCarthy, and after this Dunne’s men shifted to 100% defensive mode.
Camped in their own half for the closing stages of the game, the only real chance for Limerick fell to Jeffrey Judge but he headed wide from 6 yards out.
The Leesiders held out for the vital victory, and in doing so moved clear at the top of the table.
Cork City
Starting Line-Up: McNulty, Horgan, Spillane, Kavanagh, D.Murphy, O’Neill, Duggan, O’Halloran, Morrissey, O’Brien, Cummins.
Substitutions: Sullivan for O’Brien (58mins). Subs not used: Alan Carey, Timmy Kiely, James McCarthy, Jamie Murphy, Simon Holland, Vincent Escudé-Candau.
Limerick
Starting Line-Up: Ryan, Broughan, Frost, O’Callaghan, McCarthy, O’Leary, Judge, Coughlan, Hynes, Quinn, Tracy.
Substitutions: Breen for Coughlan (58mins), Coleman for O’Leary (64mins). O’Connor for Tracy (71mins). Subs not used: James O’Brien, Peter White, Steven McGann, Shane Cusack.
Referee: Seán Grant.
Attendance: 2,165
Photos: Click Here.
