Bohemians 2 Cork City 1:Both these sides had much to prove having faltered of late but it was the home side's greater hunger that tipped the contest in their favour.
Not even a stunning goal from their former player-manager Gareth Farrelly could derail the home side, who closed out with a winning goal seven minutes from time.
The visitors set the tone with crisp, clean passing. Yet despite honest graft in midfield from Joe Gamble and Colin Healy, Cork lacked penetration up front.
Cork, despite their possession, allowed their opponents settle and thereafter Bohemians played with direction and determination.
John Paul Kelly's industry eventually reaped rewards eight minutes after the restart. After a swaggering run he crossed sublimely for the onrushing Kevin Hunt to fire home at the back post.
By now Cork had imposed themselves well, however, and Farrelly fired an unstoppable shot home from 18 yards.
He no doubt relished celebrating in front of the local crowd but Bohemians remained focused and substitute Darren Mansaram bundled home amid a sea of bodies late on for a deserved three points.
BOHEMIANS: Matthews; Heary, McGuinness, Burns (Pooley, 67 mins), Powell; McCann, Hunt, O'Donnell, Kelly (Harkin, 77 mins); Fenn, Crowe (Mansaram, 77 mins).
CORK CITY: McNulty; Horgan (O'Callaghan, 89 mins), Kelly, Murray, Ryan (Lordan, 67 mins); McSweeney, Healy, Gamble, Farrelly, Woods; O'Flynn.
Referee: D Hanney (Dublin).
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