SEAN MAGUIRE’S PENALTY just after the hour mark was enough to give Cork City a vital away victory in the first leg of their Europa League first qualifying round clash with Linfield at a wet Windsor Park.
The key moment came when Stephen Dooley was brought down by Stephen Lowry in the area and the 22-year-old striker made no mistake from the spot – sending the ball right down the middle as Roy Carroll – making his debut for the Northerners – dived to his left.
It had been a tight affair up to that point with both sides carving out some chances.
An early Ross Gaynor free-kick was tipped over by Mark McNulty while Carroll did well to deal with a decent effort from Karl Sheppard at the other end.
But the hosts should’ve taken the lead before the break when Paul Smyth was left unmarked at the far post following a corner but couldn’t hit the target with the goal at his mercy.
The Leesiders took control once going ahead though and almost doubled their lead with 20 minutes left when Kenny Browne’s header was cleared off the line by Lowry – who went from villain to hero.
John Caulfield’s side continued to push as full-time edged closer and Carroll was forced to make an excellent save from Kevin O’Connor’s well-struck volley.
City failed to grab a second but they still have the edge ahead of next Thursday’s return leg at Turner’s Cross.
Linfield XI: Caroll, Stafford, Haughey, Waterworth (c), Lowry, Millar (R. Clarke, 84′), Mulgrew (Key, 56′), Glendinning, Quinn, Gaynor, Smyth (Burns, 72′).
Subs (not used): Deane (GK), McLellan, M. Clarke, Murray,
Cork City XI: McNulty, Bennett, Bolger (c), Beattie, Dooley, O’Connor, G. Morrissey, Sheppard (D. Morrissey, 45′), Browne, Maguire (Healy, 89′), Buckley (O’Sullivan, 59′).
Subs (not used): Coffey (GK), Holohan, McSweeney, Turner.
Referee: Bart Vertenten (BEL)
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
