Cork City stretched their unbeaten league sequence to six games against a toothless Galway United at Terryland Park.
Alan Matthews’ evolving team were never seriously troubled by the basement boys, emerging convincing victors.
John O’Flynn and George O’Callaghan grabbed the first-half goals to put the Leesiders into a commanding interval lead.
In a hectic finale, Galway substitute Jason Molloy and Dave Mooney traded goals as Cork City claimes the three points.
Despite producing a battling opening quarter performance, Galway still found themselves a goal behind in the 18th minute.
Joe Gamble clipped the ball into the Galway area and after goalkeeper Gary Rogers failed to gather John O’Flynn supplied the opportunistic finish.
Cork ought to have doubled their advantage moments later, but substitute Darragh Ryan headed George O’Callaghan’s delivery wide.
But it was the thoughtful O’Callaghan who provided a sweet second for City curling a delightful 20-yard free kick past Rogers.
Galway’s only chance of note arrived between the two goals, as the industrious John Lester dragged a long-range shot past the post.
Within seconds of the restart, Galway defender Marc McCulloch extracted a smashing save from Michael Devine, but Cork weren’t too perturbed until replacement Jason Molloy scored in the 85th minute.
But Cork summoned an instant response as Dave Mooney lashed the insurance goal to stretch City’s unbeaten run.
Galway United: Rogers; Nootimer, Fitzgerald, Charles; McCulloch; Deegan, Foley, Lester, Keane (Molloy, 71); Leech, Glynn (O’Flynn, 54).
Cork City: Devine; Horgan, Lordan, Murray, Murphy; Gamble, Healy, O’Callaghan; O’Flynn (O’Connor, 90), Mooney, Kearney (Ryan, 13, Behan, 80).
Referee: T Connolly (Dublin).
