Cork on top in drab affair

Cork City got their league campaign off to a perfect start when they defeated Finn Harps in a drab encounter in Ballybofey on Saturday night.

Cork, fresh from their European defeat on Thursday night, never looked as if they felt the effects and worked hard in the opening 45 minutes.

An Ollie Cahill free kick in the 22nd minute flashed past Brian McKenna's goal, while Gerard Dobbs should have done better with a free header in the 35th minute.

Finn Harps's best chance came in the 42nd minute when Mark Hutchinson volleyed over the bar, but the deadlock was finally broken on the stroke of half-time. Once again the influential Cahil was involved when his pass sent Pat Morley clear and his shot from the edge of the box beat Brian McKenna.

Harps started the second half strongly and came close on several occasions but they were stunned on the hour when Cork extended their lead.

This time a quick break down the right saw the ball come to Colm O'Brien and while McKenna managed to parry his shot, the loose ball fell to John Cotter and he tapped in from close range.

Finn Harps substitute, Kevin McHugh, pulled one back for the home side in the 70th minute when he stepped around David Hill and Noel Mooney to score a fine individual goal.

That boosted the home team and they began an onslaught on the Cork goal for the last 20 minutes, but despite the chances for Fergal Harkin and Gavin Dykes, Cork held firm for a well-deserved three points.

FINN HARPS: McKenna, Vaudequin, Minnock, Boyle, Dykes, Hutchinson, Kenny, Lydiate, Speak, Sheridan, Harkin. Subs: McHugh for Sheridan (62 mins), McGrenaghan for Lydiate (77 mins), McGranaghan for Vaudequin (86 mins)

CORK CITY: Mooney, Napier, Cronin, Hill, Daly, Freyne, Cahill, Dobbs, Herrick, Morley, O'Brien. Subs: Cotter for Freyne (half-time), Caufield for Dobbs (77 mins).

Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).