Cork inflict another defeat on Rovers

Tuesday, 24 October 2006

Cork City were made struggle by a smart and adventurous Sligo Rovers in the eircom League, Premier Division, at Turner’s Cross where a two goals winning margin flattered Cork. Report courtesy, www.fai.ie Their win helped Cork improve their prospects of European competition next season but they had reason to be grateful for Sligo’s inability to take advantage of their scoring opportunities. Sligo played hard and committed football despite the proximity of their FAI Cup semi-final appointment with Derry City. They were without three of their regulars - goalkeeper John O’Hara, a ‘flu victim, Chris Turner, who was suspended and Harpal Singh, who is injured. They lost Darren Mansaram when he was replaced by John Bellew in the 77th minute after the tall striker had shipped a knock in the first half and manager Sean Connor will anxiously monitor the progress of his injured players in the coming week. Cork found trouble in coping with the twin threat of Paul McTiernan and Mansaram when they were bright and lively in the opening half-hour. While some of the gloss was knocked off Sligo’s performance as Mansaram was clearly slowed by a knock, they always carried a threat. McTiernan lost two good chances in the opening 16 minutes, shooting over from close range twice after escaping Dan Murray. McTiernan set up Gary Curran for a stinging shot from 30 yards in the 51st minute that goalkeeper Mick Devine did well to turn outside for a corner but their best chance was wasted in the 70th minute and it cost them dearly. Curran’s cross from the right escaped the lunge of McTiernan but Kudozovic closed from the left to gain possession just six yards out. He mis-cued his attempted finish and only succeeded in turning the ball into the hands of a grateful Devine. The goalkeeper’s clearance was won by Neale Fenn and his pass sent Billy Woods clear to beat goalkeeper Richard Brush at the near post. Cork’s second arrived in the 87th minute. Substitute Denis Behan set up Neal Horgan for a clever pass which sent Roy O’Donovan clear of a square back four and the U21 international delayed his shot calmly before hammering it beyond the goalkeeper. Teams: Cork City Devine; Horgan, Bennett, Murray, Murphy; Lordan (Behan 79), O’Brien, Gamble, Woods (O’Callaghan 90); O’Donovan, Fenn (Sullivan 88). Sligo Rovers: Brush; Peers, Burns, McNamara, Foy; Hughes, Curran (McKenzie 88), O’Grady, Kudozovic,; McTiernan, Mansaram (Bellew 77). Referee; Mr. D. Hanney (Dublin).

 

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