Cork move three clear at top of league table
CHAMPIONS Cork City eased back to the top of the SSE Airtricity League table after a comeback victory in this provincial derby with Limerick at Turner’s Cross yesterday.
The Shannonsiders took the lead through Danny Morrissey, one of five ex-Cork City players in Tommy Barrett’s side but it was a short-lived advantage as Graham Cummins equalised in the 36th minute.
Super sub Josh O’Hanlon headed in a 70th minute winner with his first touch after coming on for Barry McNamee.
City made three changes from the team that lost to Shamrock Rovers with Alan Bennett, Steven Beattie and Jimmy Keohane coming in while Limerick also made three changes with the Dennehy brothers, Darren and Billy in the back four and Cian Coleman back in midfield.
Cork missed a ninth minute penalty when Beattie was tugged back in the box by Killian Cantwell but Kark Sheppard’s token effort was easily saved by Brendan Clarke diving to his left.
After the sequence of overnight results and defeats for Dundalk, Waterford and Shamrock Rovers, the champions had an opportunity to open up a three point gap at the top.
The early penalty miss was a luxury City could hardly afford on current form and they fell a goal behind on 34 minutes when Morrissey netted against his former club.
Limerick’s Conor Clifford had a snap shot on 20 minutes saved by Mark McNulty before both teams took a water break.
Garry Buckley forced Clarke to another good save with a 29th minute drive from outside the box as this provincial derby limped along before Morrissey’s lead goal rattled the home team. It was the first goal conceded by Cork at home all season.
However, Limerick’s lead lasted no more than two minutes as Cummins headed in Colm Horgan’s near post cross.
O’Hanlon’s goal 20 minutes from time ensured John Caulfield’s charges took all three points.