Cork hold out for victory

Cork City 2 Bohemians 1
Cork City scored an invaluable win over one of their most dangerous rivals in a cracking contest before 5,000 spectators at Turner's Cross last night. Cork, leading by two goals, had to withstand a marvellous comeback from Bohemians in the closing half hour.

Cork deserved their win. The quality of their first-half performance was above anything produced by Bohemians. The problems they presented to defenders led to three yellow cards for the visitors in the first 17 minutes.

When Cork went in front with a goal after 18 minutes they looked set for a decisive win. A long ball out of defence by Neal Horgan was controlled on the edge of the penalty area by John O'Flynn before he turned a square pass to Neale Fenn. Fenn held the ball cleverly as O'Flynn looped around him and then played a delightful pass that was driven home by O'Flynn from 18 yards.

Danny Murphy hammered a free-kick against the crossbar in the 39th minute and Roy O'Donovan gave Cork the second goal when he took advantage of a mistake between Matt Gregg and James Keddy, two minutes into the second half.

Bohemians grew in ambition. A powerful headed goal from Dominic Foley following a cross from Gareth Farrelly after 63 minutes gave them every incentive.

Cork withstood sustained pressure in a tense closing half hour and lost two great scoring chances in breakaway attacks as O'Donovan and O'Flynn both shot over.

CORK CITY: Devine; Horgan, Bennett, Murray, Murphy, O'Donovan, Gamble, O'Callaghan, Kearney (Woods, 53 mins), Fenn, O'Flynn.

BOHEMIANS: Gregg; Rice, Oman, Byrne, Keddy, Harkin, Hargan (Kelly 75 mins), Hunt, Farrelly, Ward, Grant, Foley.