Cork City stretched to the limit

Kerry D.L.0 Cork City2

Kerry with five players still eligible for youths football in their team, performed with admirable determination and impressive team work to stretch Cork fully in an historic first competitive game at senior level in Kerry.

The measure of their achievement against an experienced Cork side was reflected in the fact that Kerry did not concede the second goal until they had been reduced to ten men. Their centre back Shane Guthrie was sent off for a late tackle on Cork centre forward, Colin P O’Brien three minutes before the goal.

The goal stemmed from the most incisive piece of football produced by Cork. Full back Alan Carey angled a ball through a Kerry defence that was caught standing square for Denis Behan and the substitute beautifully beat goalkeeper, David Hennessy with a pass across the penalty area that offered Colin P O’Brien an empty net.

Cork deserved their win but by the full time whistle, they were fully aware of Kerry’s many fine qualities. Kerry’s effort was bolstered by significant contributions from centre backs, Guthrie and Maurice O’Rahilly while midfielder Chris Kerins and centre forward, Fergal Moynihan also impressed. Overall, there was a level of understanding in their team work that was a carry over from this team’s brave effort in last season’s national U21 competition in which they advanced as far as the semi-final.

Manager, Tom McGiff expressed his satisfaction with the work of his team and commented; “Cork did not have it easy. We were determined to give them a right match but it was inevitable that we tired in the last quarter.

“We have been back training for just four weeks while Cork have had the benefit of a pre-season programme of six weeks work. I’m just sorry we did not score because I believe our performance would have deserved a goal.

Cork’s manager Pat Dolan said; “I am delighted with that, we won a very tough game under difficult conditions.

“It was a pleasure to play in the first competitive game in Kerry at senior level and it was everything we expected it would be. They are a proud people and we knew we would have our hands full in seeking a result.”

Cork played more composed football after the opening goal in the 49th minute. Michael Mulconry played a ball from the corner flag back to full back Robert Hedderman and his excellent cross was headed in at the far post by Kevin Murray.

Said Dolan; “Kevin Murray is the happiest man alive at this moment. He played in his first senior match and he scored his first goal. His performance was outstanding for he took some heavy knocks but never complained and got on with the match.”

The introduction of Behan helped Cork raise their game to a new level. His ability to link the play and bring other players into the game helped Cork retain possession and achieve a level of dominance they had been unable to exert earlier.

Kerry now play Cobh Ramblers in their next match and they can take encouragement from this performance and from the smooth organisation despite the heavy rain that fell before the game. Said Sean O’Keeffe, chairman of the Kerry U21 league; “We had upwards of 800 spectators and we were delighted with that because of the rain.

“We’ve made a good start and the success of the evening is an encouragement to us to work on from here.”

KERRY D.L. (4-4-2) Hennessy; Lynch, O’Rahilly, Guthrie, O’Sullivan (Gleeson 70); Wall, Kerins, O’Reilly, Baker (Walsh 87); O’Driscoll, Moynihan.

CORK CITY (4-4-2) Mooney; Carey, Daly, Napier, Hedderman; C T O’Brien, Murray, Buckley (Behan 75), Mulconry (Lordan 81); C P O’Brien, Warren (Lally 87).

Referee:A Buttimer (Cork).