Limerick 0-1 Cork City
Substitute Rob Lehane climbed off the bench to inspire Cork City to a vital SSE Airtricity League Premier Division victory at Thomond Park.
Lehane struck in the 77th minute as Cork grabbed a win which narrows the gap on table toppers Dundalk to three points.
A poor match was decided by Lehane's slice of skill as Cork eventually shrugged off Limerick's spirited resistance.
With five matches now left John Caulfield's charges will be hoping to build on this success in the next month.
Eager to pass the ball early on, Limerick were bright as the busy Lee Lynch craved involvement.
But as the half wore on, the title chasing visitors provided glimpses of their considerable ability as Colin Healy and Gearoid Morrissey offered the midfield guile.
In a tight opening quarter, chances were scarce as Limerick's central defensive duo Michael Leahy and Stephen Folan stayed solid.
Cork did go close in the 27th minute when a smashing Billy Dennehy run culminated with a Barry Ryan save.
At the opposite end Rory Gaffney unleashed a blistering stop which Mark McNulty palmed away as Limerick sought to land a blow.
Moments later a Johnny Dunleavy delivery located Mark O'Sullivan, who headed wide under pressure in the area.
Seven minutes after the restart an O'Sullivan knock down manufactured space for Dennehy, who was again thwarted by Ryan.
Healy and Morrissey remained prominent and Cork's perspiration was rewarded 13 minutes from time when Lehane assumed centre stage.
The lively Lehane wriggled clear to confidently drill the Leesiders ahead and the sizeable travelling support celebrated furiously.
Lehane's introduction injected a drop of quality into Cork's attacking play, but Limerick almost restored parity on 86 when McNulty saved an attempt from Darragh Rainsford.
Limerick FC: Barry Ryan; Patrick Nzuzi, Mick Leahy, Stephen Folan, Shane O’Connor; Kieran Djilali (Samuel Oji, 78), Prince Agyemang, Shane Tracy (Ross Mann, 78), Jack Doherty (Darragh Rainsford, 58); Lee Lynch; Rory Gaffney.
Subs not used: Shane Cusack, Val Feeney, Colm Murphy, Tam McManus.
Cork City: Mark McNulty; Johnny Dunleavy, Michael McSweeney, Dan Murray, Ross Gaynor; Josh O’Shea (John Kavanagh, 82), Colin Healy, Gearoid Morrissey, Liam Kearney (Rob Lehane, 59); Billy Dennehy (Dave O’Leary, 85); Mark O’Sullivan.
Subs not used: Cillian Morrison, Danny Morrissey, Gavin Kavanagh, Kevin O’Brien.
Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin).
