Cork City are off the mark after an impressive 2-1 win over Bohemians at Turner’s Cross.
The Rebel Army created the first big chance of the game, with a clearance from a corner falling to Sean Murray who hit the crossbar from long range.
However, Dublin’s Originals had the lion’s share of chances in the first half.
Their first opportunity would bear fruits, as Keith Buckley’s deflected strike from distance found its way into the back of Tein Troost’s net to give Bohs the lead 20 minutes in.
It was a first goal for Bohs for the man from Pearse Street since his return following 16 months on the sidelines through injury.
Bohs kept pushing and it almost paid dividends six minutes later, with Troost being forced into a fantastic double save, keeping the ball from rippling the net at the Shed End.
Troost was forced to work once more in the 28th minute, as Dayle Rooney’s distance effort was saved behind a pile of Cork defenders, diving to his right-hand side to deny the Gypsies.
City finally got back on level terms through Sean Maguire’s header, a lovely diving header from a brilliant cross from the right from Rio Shipston.
It is a first goal of the season for the former Preston North End player, and a crucial one at that.
Cork kept pushing and Ruairí Keating had a decent chance sliced into the arms of Bohs ‘keeper James Talbot, whose leg was swung at by Charlie Lyons.
This resulted in Bohs’ Rob Cornwall retaliating with a belt of a shoulder. Both he and the Rebels’ captain were shown yellow cards.
SECOND HALF: City had a renewed confidence not previously seen before Maguire’s goal, and it nearly paid off when the ball fell to Ruairí Keating, who skied his effort from just over six yards out.
And Cork perhaps should have been rewarded for their persistence after referee Declan Toland waved away very valid shouts for a penalty as Keating was brought down in the box by Leigh Kavanagh. Bohs perhaps getting away with one.
However, the Sligo Rovers academy graduate was justly rewarded for his side’s persistence in the 82nd minute, as his long range effort found its way through the hands of James Talbot to give the Rebels the lead.
Bohs tried to mount a response almost immediately through Connor Parsons a minute later, but the Englishman’s effort was saved by Tein Troost.
The NAC Breda loanee was instrumental in this match to keeping Cork City in the game for so long.
Rob Cornwall was shown a second yellow card with a minute to go in the five minutes of added time for tripping up Harvey Skieters as he was through on goal.
It proved to be of little consequence for either side as Cork City ran out 2-1 winners against a wasteful Bohemians side.
The Rebels next face a Munster Derby away to Waterford at the RSC, whereas Bohemians welcome Drogheda United to Dalymount Park.
Both games are on Monday night and get underway at 7.45pm, with the Munster Derby being broadcast live on Virgin Media TWO.
LOI Talk Man of the Match: Sean Maguire.
[…] REBEL REVIVAL – Cork City 2-1 Bohemians […]