Cork City progressed to the Munster Senior Cup semi final last night, courtesy of a 3-2 win at Rockmount Park.
The City team was mainly comprised of the Under 19 side who are enjoying a fine season, as they lead the Under 19 National League, with Kevin Burns, Kalen Spillane, Ian Turner and Jamie Murphy from the first team squad joining their ranks.
The opening goal arrived after ten minutes, as Stephen Kenny put the visitors ahead. Jamie Murphy had worked himself into a good position, and when his shot was parried by the keeper, Kenny was on hand to finish from close range. The home side levelled ten minutes later, as a free kick into the box was headed home past Kevin Burns. The remainder of the first half was hard fought, as both sides battled with the conditions, and chances were at a premium.
City took the lead with a quarter of an hour remaining, as Jamie Murphy pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the box to smash a shot home with the keeper stranded. Danny Morrissey had a chance to put the tie beyond doubt moments later, but dragged his shot wide after making space for himself.
Five minutes later, City were reduced to ten men, as Stephen Kenny was shown a straight red card for a tackle. The sending off appeared harsh given the conditions, but City responded in fine style by claiming a third goal just four minutes later. Full back Jason Forde celebrated his birthday with an excellent goal, as he cut inside and struck a fine shot past the keeper from outside the box.
The home side sought to make their numerical advantage count by throwing everything at City in the closing moments. They did claim a goal back deep into injury time, shortly after an off the ball incident left Danny Morrissey was left requiring attention, but City held out to claim the win and will face Waterford United in the semi final.
Cork City: Burns, Turner, Murphy, Spillane, Forde, McCarthy, Buckley, Kavanagh, Kenny, Morrissey, J Murphy.
