Derry City 0-2 Cork City
Cork City deservedly claimed maximum points with a 2-0 win over Derry City, who finished with 10 men at The Brandywell.
A second-half strike from Karl Sheppard broke the deadlock, before a late penalty from Billy Dennehy ensured John Caulfield’s men easily claimed the victory.
Although the home side started on the front foot, it was Cork who went close on 10 minutes but Karl Sheppard, who had broken in behind the Derry defence, saw his shot saved by Gerard Doherty.
Derry had a super opportunity themselves on 17 minutes but Philip Lowry’s close-range header bounced into the grateful arms of Cork goalkeeper Mark McNulty.
McNulty had to make another save on 37 minutes when he did well to get his right boot to Mark Timlin’s left-footed strike.
Soon after, Dennehy’s 25 yard free-kick had Doherty scrambling across goal, but the ball flew inches over the crossbar.
Cork should have taken the lead on 50 minutes but, with the goal at their mercy, Sheppard and Mark O’Sullivan both failed to make a connection with Darren Dennehy’s downward header.
The visitors finally got in front moments later thanks a clinical finish by Sheppard after he found himself some space inside the Derry penalty box.
Cork should have gone further ahead on 70 minutes after John O’Flynn raced onto a long ball but, with only Doherty to beat, he fired wide.
O’Flynn had another chance on 82 minutes but failed to head home from close range after Sheppard had created the chance.
Cork did deservedly added a second on 88 minutes from the penalty spot after Aaron Barry brought down O’Flynn inside the box.
The Derry centre-back was rightfully shown a straight red card and Billy Dennehy made no mistake with the resulting spot-kick.
Derry City: Doherty, Kelly, S McEleney, Barry, Jarvis; Curtis (Dooley 73), McNamee, Lowry, Timlin; P McEleney; Curran.
Cork City: McNulty, Gaynor, Bennett, D Dennehy, K O’Connor; Murray, Miller, Buckley; Sheppard (Lehane 90), O’Sullivan (O’Flynn 58), B Dennehy (Kearney 90).
Referee: Padraigh Sutton (Clare).
