Cork return to winning ways

Cork City ... 1 Drogheda United ... 0 Cork City returned to winning ways at Turner's Cross yesterday after an unsuccessful run that stretched back over four matches. Incessant rain and a strong wind made conditions very challenging and Cork were fortunate to overcome a tenacious Drogheda side.

Drogheda manager Harry McCue praised Cork goalkeeper Michael Devine for several saves he made, a sentiment that was echoed by his Cork counterpart, Liam Murphy.

"Our goalkeeper kept his concentration really well in miserable conditions and he deserved to keep a clean sheet," said Murphy.

Cork scored after eight minutes when Billy Woods ran on to a pass from Neal Horgan to cross deep into the penalty area. Paudie Gallogley and goalkeeper Gary Rogers got in one another's way after Gallogley had failed to clear the ball at his first attempt and George O'Callaghan got between them to poke the ball home.

With the wind advantage Cork played some bright football in the early minutes but the nearest they came to adding to their goal was when O'Callaghan hit a 20-yarder narrowly wide.

Drogheda were almost level on the stroke of half-time when Derek Delaney played Mark Quinless through but goalkeeper Devine dived bravely at his feet to smother his shot.

With the aid of the wind in the second half Drogheda were in control but Cork defended well with recent signing Dan Murray, formerly with Peterborough, impressing at centre back.

It was goalkeeper Devine, however, who stood between Drogheda and an equaliser when Declan O'Brien shot from 30 yards which the goalkeeper did well to hold.

Drogheda went closer after 78 minutes when Devine was at full stretch to turn away a shot from Danny O'Connor but between times Cork had chances to make the points secure.

Woods mis-kicked with only goalkeeper Rogers to beat in the 59th minute and the goalkeeper managed to turn away John O'Flynn's attempt as the centre forward snapped up the loose ball.

CORK CITY: Devine; Carey, Daly (Cronin 69), Murray, Horgan; Warren, Bennett (O'Grady 65), Reynolds, Woods; O'Flynn, O'Callaghan.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Rogers; Todd, Gallogley, Lynch, Kelly; Quinless (Myler 75), Dunne, O'Connor, Dempsey (Cronin 63); O'Brien, Delaney.

Referee: J O'Neill (Waterford)