A late goal from substitute Danny Morrisey gave Cork City a priceless 1-0 home win, following the Cork club’s clash with Northern side Crusaders in the first leg of their Setanta Sports Cup quarter-final.
Tuesday’s game at Turner Cross was the first time the sides had met, and it was a tight affair.
Crusader’s were without eight first-team players, as six suspensions were carried over from last year. However, the Hatchetmen made a good account of themselves against an in-form Cork City side that were enjoying a successful pre-season.
Cork City started with Daryl Kavanagh spearheading the attack as Tommy Dunne named an experienced side that included Neal Horgan, Dan Murray, Colin Healy and Danny Murphy.
Both sides spurned chances in the first half but could not capitalise and the sides went in level at the half. It was a closely contested affair with neither team possessing a killer instinct.
The Leesiders grew into the game in the second half and pushed for a vital opener, with Turner heading over from close range. However, one of the loudest cheers of the night was reserved for Denis Behan, as the Cork City journeyman entered the fray late in the second half.
The Rebel Army pressure finally paid off in the 89th minute, when substitute Danny Morrissey got on the end of an Adam Rundle corner to give Cork City a vital 1-0 win. The goal could prove to be decisive, as it gives City a one-goal advantage to take with them on the long trip to Belfast for the second-leg.
Cork City
