Cork City 1-0 Galway United
CORK CITY CLOSED the gap on Premier Division leaders Dundalk to eight points as substitute Billy Dennehy proved the match-winner at Turner’s Cross tonight.
Having been out of favour for much of July and August, Dennehy returned with a goal against St Patrick’s Athletic in the FAI Cup last week and made it two in two games with what could be a crucial goal.
From a clearance by goalkeeper Mark McNulty, the always-lively Steven Beattie got a flick and Dennehy was able to fire a half-volley past Conor Winn in the Galway goal. There could be no real arguments that John Caulfield’s side deserved the win.
Apart from Jake Keegan’s curling shot wide in the third minute, the visitors found themselves on the back foot in the first half, with Karl Sheppard going close for City more than once while Liam Miller had a shot saved by Winn.
Ross Gaynor was unlucky to flash an effort just wide after he cut in from the right five minutes before the break and Sheppard tested Winn early in the second period while Sam Oji almost headed into his own net. Dennehy’s introduction saw Beattie move to middle of the three behind Mark O’Sullivan and it was his vital flick which set up the goal.
Thereafter, the game seemed to meander towards an inevitable conclusion, with neither side fashioning any real quality opportunity. That won’t bother City, who have another big game at home to Pat’s on Monday.
CORK CITY: Mark McNulty; Michael McSweeney, Alan Bennett, Dan Murray, Ross Gaynor; Colin Healy, Liam Miller (Billy Dennehy 54); Steven Beattie, Garry Buckley, Karl Sheppard (Liam Kearney 89); Mark O’Sullivan.
GALWAY UNITED: Conor Winn; Cormac Rafferty, Sam Oji, Killian Cantwell, Colm Horgan; Paul Sinnott, Alex Byrne, David O’Leary (Andy O’Connell 85); Gary Shanahan, Jake Keegan, Jason Molloy (Conor Melody 61).
Referee: Seán Grant (Wexford).
Originally published Friday at 10.07pm
