Seán Maguire’s hat-trick inspired Cork City to a dramatic 4-2 comeback win over Kerry FC, extending their unbeaten streak in a thrilling Munster derby clash.
Cork City 4
Kerry FC 2
An early penalty for Kerry FC, gave them the ultimate boost. The Cork side huffed and puffed, with Hans Mbongo looking particularly dangerous down the left wing, however Kelliher’s expert strike from a tight angle sent Kerry into dreamland at Half Time.
Maguire headed home in the 55th minute as City dominated proceedings in the second half, which was followed by a Seani Maguire penalty as Fiacre Kelleher fell to the ground following a push from the Kerry defender. It was to be Fiacre Kelleher among the action once more, as he headed home to seal the victory for Cork City, with Seani completing his hat trick at the very death to add insult to injury for Kerry.
A tremendous game for the neutral in Cork today, as the league leaders kept their unbeaten streak going. The victory did not come easy to them however, as their newfound neighbours in Kerry gave them a serious run for their money. Colin Healy expertly set up his side in the first half. A dream start, as Kerry were given a controversial penalty. As Kerry’s penalty was given, there were two balls on the pitch which sparked some confusion. Former City forward; Cian Murphy made no mistake, as he slotted home giving his side an early lead in the 2nd minute. Shortly after this in the 8th minute, Conor Brann lumped the ball up finding Seani Maguire, who flicked it on expertly to Mbongo who was unable to convert.
Cork City controlled possession and were progressive in their play, however Kerry were very dangerous on the counter attack, as Niall Broowell hit the side netting from an awkward angle, leaving former City player Cian Bargary frustrated that he didn’t go across the box rather than try the shot.
A big story of the game was Harry Halwax, who used any opportunity he could to waste time. It’s really one of those situations where you’re happy for your own player to partake in such activities but very frustrated if you happen to be on the receiving end. Cork City huffed and puffed, which new signing Hans Mbongo looking particularly dangerous on the wing, but ultimately, Kerry’s counter attacking once again caused City problems, as they darted up the pitch and their star man, just back from injury, expertly finished from an awkward angle.
The visitors went into the break in dreamland, as they were two goals to the good. The 2nd half started off lively. City changing systems to a 4-4-2, as Conor Drinan entered the frame as a progressive Left Back and experienced veteran Greg Bolger coming into the frame also. It was to be Drinan to make an instant impact, as Maguire headed home clinically from close range from Drinan’s cross. Young star Cillian Murphy, now playing more of a winger role, was so dangerous throughout the game, as he set up Bolger whose shot tested Harry Halwax, pushing it out for a corner in the 68th minute.
A big moment in the match was Ryan Kelliher leaving the frame, as he was replaced by Eric Koufie in the 74th minute. Shortly after, City had a penalty of their own, as Fiacre Kelleher was pushed down in the box. Seani Maguire converted, making things level and with all to play for in the 81st minute.
Amid this drama, Vincent Borden, the Kerry midfielder who had looked bright until that point, was sent off for a second yellow card, which put Kerry under serious pressure. It wasn’t until the 89th minute until City took the lead for the first time, as Fiacre Kelleher headed home in the 89th minute. Maguire picked up his hat trick in the end, as a chaotic game finished 4-2.
Man of the match: Seani Maguire. Three goals aside, this man was everywhere today and at the heart of everything positive Cork City did from an attacking perspective.
LineUps
Cork City (3-5-2): Conor Brann; Joshua Fitzpatrick, Rory Feely, Fiacre Kelleher, Charlie Lyons, Hans Mbongo, Darragh Crowley, AJ Bridge, Cillian Murphy, Seán Maguire, Ruairí Keating. Subs: Greg Bolger for AJ Bridge, Conor Drinan for Ruairí Keating (both 45’), Harry Nevin for Charlie Lyons (90’), Seán Maguire for Matthew Murray (90’+2)
Kerry FC (4-4-2) Harry Halwax; Ewan Lee, Killian Cantwell, Jonas Häkkinen, Kieran Cooney, Cian Bargary, Arran Healy, Vincent Borden, Niall Brookwell, Ryan Kelliher, Cian Murphy. Subs: Kieran Cooney for Seán O’Connell (53’) Eric Koufie for Ryan Kelliher (74’)
Referee: Daryl Carolan
Attendance: 5,366