Cork City 4
Finn Harps 0
It was a comprehensive victory for Cork City at Munster FA Turner’s Cross Stadium which saw City run up 4-0 winners against Finn Harps.
A much improved Cork City performance with some brilliant attacking play, compared to Monday Night’s lacklustre fixture away to Treaty United.
Cork City Player Ratings vs Finn Harps
Conor Brann – 6.5
Quiet night in the office for the Ireland International, but when called upon to step off his line, he did so exceptionally.
Harry Nevin – 6
Unfortunate for the Cork City Right-Back to only last 7 mins before being forced off through injury. He did not put a step wrong for the time he was on the pitch.
Donal O’Connor – 6.5
The young Centre-Back showed quality beyond his years on his first-ever start in the League of Ireland. Although he looked shaky at times from some lofted through balls, he dealt with Harps’ attacking threats with composure.
Charlie Lyons – 6
Wasn’t involved in the game much as Harps were toothless in attack. Definitely dealt with the aerial duels better than his ground duels. Took too long on the ball at times.
Conor Drinan – 6.5
Drinan struggled to progress the ball at times in the first half. Did very well getting on the end of headers when in the box whether it be from open play or set-pieces. However, it was to the detriment of the overall structure, forcing others to leave their areas of marking.
Niall O’Keeffe – 7
Did not look out of place when asked to move to Right-Back. Did exceptionally in the ground duel, showed great close control and kept the ball ticking.
Greg Bolger – 6.5
Got caught on the wrong side of the ball occasionally when Harps were breaking, but showed a great passing range, playing in those in wide areas.
Darragh Crowley – 6.5
Very similar to Bolger in how he played, showing great long-range passing and ability to win 2nd balls.
Cillian Murphy – 8 – MOTM
It was a man of the match worthy effort by young Cillian Murphy. The 16-year-old showcased immense dribbling and power in his stride, and ability to get down and dirty when necessary. It is rare to see a 16-year-old pass the ball when a goal is there for him in the way he did for Mpongo. The energy he brought all-round was very impressive.
Hans Mpongo – 7
Mpongo was out of the game in the first half as he rarely received the ball. However, in the 2nd half he burst into life winning his battles and setting up his teammates. His skill to round the goalkeeper in the way he did for his goal shows the type of player he is.
Ruairí Keating – 8
It was a performance of old times for Keating, unlike what we’ve seen in recent weeks. He looked sharp, and showed great skill when on the ball and vision when linking up play. As for in front of goal he did exceptionally well for his first cutting the ball back and hitting home with the left and slotted it in cooly for his second. He most likely could’ve had more with the chances he had.
Subs:
AJ Bridge – 6.5
Coming on in the 7th minute, Bridge had a poor first half especially out of possession. Although he got his goal in the second half, his performance was only a tad better than previously. He did well bringing Cillian Murphy into the game.
Matthew Murray – 7.5
The young winger came on in an unfamiliar No.10 role in possession before joining Keating in the firing line. The direct-minded player showed unbelievable energy out of possession, with that lovely pick-pocket on Joel Bradley-Walsh in the form of a slide tackle. Also made a great impact receiving the ball on the half-turn and slipping in those in wide areas.
Karim Fonseca – 6
Looked eager to get that debut goal, and came very close from a volley on the edge of the box. Showed good energy out of possession. Struggled to get in the game.