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
There really was nothing between the top four teams. This weekend has seen two magnificent games, that should never have been QFs. Until the reality that rankings will change is accepted, and catered for, this nonsense of losing genuine world cup contenders at QFs will continue.
The pool format as it stands, is inherently flawed, as it relies on rankings remaining the same from draw to the game.
If another week was added to the competition, you could allow only the pool winners through to the QFs, with an extra recovery week as a bonus, and then have playoffs between 2nd and 3rd place teams from the other side of the draw, to see who should continue to the QFs. It would have given Scotland a chance to get back in, and might be a way of handling the reality that rankings change.
@Declan Conroy: very true
@Declan Conroy: Something has to change. Those quarter finals should never have happened. Massive drop off in interest and engagement in a tournament that still has two weeks to run.
Normal service resumed. SH domination. These lads just have the composure and big game moments to win.
SA poxy lucky to win.
Feel sorry for Les Bleus. 3 first half tries for SA pure luck. Came from nothing.
Best 2 teams in tournament,Ireland and France and they don’t make semi’s
And a very average England and Argentina are there. They will be destroyed by NZ and SA in semi’s.
Poor Ireland and John Sexton….
What could have been……
I believe there is very, very little difference between Ire, SA, NZ and France. All great teams. Sad to think that semifinals winners are already decided.
Worst thing we ever did was beat South Africa in the group
That was outstanding from the springboks. 2023 game plan in full swing (rassie you genius). Far removed from our up the jumper 10 man rugby.. What an evolution in style and tactics as promised . That was a phenominal game of rugby that could have went iether way. My nerves are shot. To the French, my god what a team… Just glad we were on the right side of that result… What a weekend of rugby
@Stuart: still not the prettist to watch all trys from a kick were offside all nite the ref helped ye a lot feel sorry for france but looks like its yours to lose now
@Sèan: hope you will have your dark green jersey on for next week. Can’t imagine white is your colour…
@Stuart: lost interest in it now tbh since ireland went out the semis be a walk over the final should great
Rugby is the winner the ref was poor
Seems pointless participating. Would anyone follow a soccer World Cup if Germany and Brazil just won it every time? Not much of a sport really. Only 8 teams play it to a good standard and only two win nearly every time. I’m glad it’s nearly done.
@Neil “Montyman65” Montgomery: well then stop following it. Don’t worry you won’t be missed by anyone
Lovely writing, nice work Ciaran