Rory Patterson.
DERRY CITY 0 CORK CITY 1
Cork City are returning to Leeside with three points after a deserved win over Derry City in their SSE Airtricity Premier Division clash at Brandywell this afternoon.
In a disappointing game, in which both teams created little, it was no surprise the only goal of the game came from a set piece.
Barry Molloy came to Derry’s rescue in the 28th minute when he headed the ball off the line from a Cork corner.
Although the midfielder appeared to be behind the goal-line, the assistant referee waved play on despite claims by the Cork players the ball had crossed the line.
Derry escaped again in the 32nd minute when O’Sullivan failed to convert from the edge of the six yard box when put through by a clever Dennehy free kick.
Cork took the lead 10 minutes into the second half when centre-half Darren Dennehy found himself unmarked six yards out at the back post to head home an excellent free kick delivered by his brother Billy.
The only other incident of note in the second half was when Derry keeper Gerard Doherty was quick off his line to dive and collect the ball at the feet of Buckley 12 yards out in the 78th minute.
However, the major talking point about the game – both before and after the kick-off – was the condition of the Brandywell pitch, especially since it was only Derry’s first home game of the season.
Afterwards, Cork manager John Caulfield said it was the worst condition he had ever seen the Derry pitch but stressed he was delighted to return south with the win.
Friday night’s results in the Airtricity Premier Division were: Athlone 1, Shamrock Rovers 4; Bohemians 2, Drogheda United 2; Bray Wanderers 1, Slivo Rovers 0; Dundalk 2, Limerick City 1; St Patrick’s Athletic 3, UCD 2.
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