Birthday boy Murray pounces as City go top

BOTH sides ended up with ten men on a night of some controversy at Turner’s Cross but it was Cork City who edged it on the scoreboard, a first half goal from captain Dan Murray proving just enough to beat Derry City and send the Leesiders to the top of the League of Ireland Premier Division table for the first time this season.

Bohemians might change that when they travel to Shamrock Rovers this evening but, for one night at least, Cork put their off-field problems to one side and gave their loyal supporters something to sing about.

A re-jigged Cork defence, which had Robert Mezeckis back from injury and Danny Murphy missing through suspension, was almost caught napping in the second minute when goalkeeper Dan Connor had to put up a firm hand to deny Sammy Morrow.