Sub’s super strike earns Cork three vital points in Munster derby against Limerick

Limerick FC 0

Cork City FC 1

A superb strike by substitute Robert Lehane earned Cork City a precious win over Limerick at Thomond Park last night.

His goal came thirteen minutes from the end of a Munster derby that provided plenty of goal chances, but both goalkeepers brought off splendid saves.

Lehane was introduced by manager John Caulfield after 58 minutes and he gave Dave Ryan no chance with a cracking low shot.

Limerick's Shane Tracy had the ball in the Cork net after only five minutes but the effort was ruled out as Rory Gaffney was offside.

Ryan palmed over a Billy Dennehy corner after 21 minutes and six minutes later he saved superbly again from Dennehy, who rounded Mick Leahy.

Mark McNulty got down to prevent Rory Gaffney putting Limerick in front after 32 minutes but the half ended without a goal.

Dennehy should have scored after 53 minutes when he was alone with alone Ryan to beat but he shot straight at the keeper.

Substitute Darragh Rainsford almost salvaged something for Limerick after 86 minutes after good build-up by Stephen Folan and Gaffney, but McNulty made a brilliant save to allow Cork keep the pressure on Dundalk.