Cork City’s Europa League match-winner Kevin O’Connor says the Airtricity League outfit fully deserved their latest victory in the competition as the club added to their list of European scalps.
The left-back struck the only goal of the game against Swedish side BK Hacken to advance to the third round of European competition for just the third time in the club’s history where they will now face Belgian giants Genk.
The first-half strike from O’Connor, whose volleyed effort from Greg Bolger’s free-kick found the net after a deflection, ensured a 2-1 aggregate victory for the home side and the hero on the night admitted it was a moment to savour.
VIDEO: Kevin O’Connor's goal was enough for Cork to upset Swedish side Hacken in the Europa League last night.https://t.co/yB9LBcQEo0
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) July 22, 2016
“I don’t think I have scored a more important goal,” he told RTÉ Sport. “We won the free-kick on the counter and Greg played a great ball in. It was just about getting it on target.
“I managed to do that and it went into the corner. I can’t be any happier.”
The former Waterford United man, who joined the club last year, said it was extra sweet to defeat a side of the calibre of BK Hacken and believes the foundation for progression to the last 58 teams in the competition was laid in the away leg.
“The Swedish League is a very good league. They beat Malmo in the Cup Final last year, that shows how good a side they are.
“We’ve seen over the years Cork cause shocks in Europe.
“I think it was fully deserved fully, especially after the first game.”
Assistant manager John Cotter was fulsome in his praise for the hard-working O’Connor and believes the goal was just rewards for his strong work ethic.
“Kevin is a great lad and I think he has been brilliant for the past few months. He’s developing as a player every week,” he said.
“It was a great goal. In fairness to Kevin, he works hard on his finishing and it paid off tonight.
“I’m delighted for him because he’s such a nice fella too.”
Progression to the third round of qualifying has guaranteed Cork City at least a further €220,000.
City’s opponents Genk beat Buducnost Podgorica of Montenegro on penalties.
