OWOLABI HAS CORK ON THE RISE 0 1

BABATUNDE OWOLABI was the Cork City hero as the Leesiders picked up a longawaited away victory to inject new life into survival bid.

The striker hit the net just before the hour mark at Weavers Park to secure Cork a third straight league win.

Upturn

Their recent upturn in fortunes under Liam Buckley means eighth place Drogheda are now in their sights, just two points above them.

A dull game sprang into life after 30 minutes when the teams exchanged a number of chances. Emmanuel Adegboyega flashed a header wide and Ryan Brennan twice let fly from the edge of the area.

At the other end, Owolabi twice hit efforts at Colin McCabe’s goal and Ruairi Keating should have made more of a free header.

Owolabi was at it again after the restart, hitting the side netting after bursting into the box.

Calls

Kevin Doherty felt aggrieved when referee Neil Doyle waved away calls for a penalty after Luke Heeney went down under Kevin Custovic’s challenge.

An error by Drogs stopper McCabe lead to the game’s only goal. He raced off his line when Cork pumped a ball forward. His presence only served to block his defenders efforts to deal with it.

Owolabi raced in and took advantage, rounding McCabe and slotting to an empty net. DROGHEDA UTD: McCabe 5; Heeney 5 (Ahui, 75 5), Adegboyega 6, Keeley 6, McNally 7; Deegan 6, Brennan 6; Grimes 5 (Foley, 46 5), Markey 6, Rooney 6; Draper 6.

CORK CITY: Corcoran 7; Honohan 6, Coleman 7, Gilchrist 6; Crowley (Walker, 5 6), Healy 7, Bolger 6, Custovic 7; Coffey 6 (O’BrienWhitmarsh, 89); Keating 6, Owolabi 7 (Murphy, 89).

Referee: Neil Doyle 5