No joy for battling Hibs side

Date Published: {J}

Mike Rafferty

Hibernians 0

Cork City 2

This was an occasion when the home side gave it their best shot, but still came up short against a Cork City side who come from the length and breadth of the county.

The visitors always had an edge on a Hibernians side who just could not take advantage of the considerable wind advantage at their backs in the second half and in fairness could have no complaints about their exit from the FAI Youth Cup at the quarter-final stage on Saturday afternoon.

The Munster side had the advantage of the elements in the opening half and while they threatened and probed, it was only in the closing stages they tested home custodian Aaron Connolly.

It was the home side who could have taken the lead on 23 minutes, but Sean Murphy could only direct an Adam Lee corner off the crossbar and fellow central defender Cathal Walsh could only knock the rebound wide from close range.

Otherwise the home chances were limited as a few breaks by Shane Gallagher threatened a reward, but the final finish or delivery just came up short.

Cork were doing most of the pressing and as the half developed they became more accustomed to the challenge. Connolly had to go full length to save from Ross McCarthy on 33 minutes and moments later Craig Burns headed over from close range.

A neat movement gave them the lead on 41 minutes when Cian O’Connor released Gary Buckley and the midfielder made it 1-0 as he slotted home from an angle inside the box. Just before the interval the same player just pushed another effort past the far post.

The second half was all about Hibernians as they continuously chased the game but, like in the opening half, chances were limited. Mark Murphy was given a chance on 53 minutes when Connolly’s clearance reached him in the box, but a weak effort was rushed and directed straight at ‘keeper Farrell.

Liam Hrehorow fired a free kick from outside the box into the defensive wall, while Walsh was left holding his head as he nodded over after a Mark Murphy corner eventually arrived to give him the final touch.

Adam Lee tested Farrell with a low angled drive which the custodian did well to block with his legs, while Mark Murphy snapped at a Namanja Spasojevic lay off and was well off target.

The home side continued to threaten and dominate and Sean Murphy could not get a lot of power into a shot that was comfortably pushed away by Farrell.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.