Kenny fury at referee as Cork leapfrog Derry

STEPHEN KENNY was left to rue what he described as an “outrageous” penalty decision that sent Cork City on their way to a vital victory in the race for a Europa League spot at Turner’s Cross last night.

The Leesiders leapfrogged Derry into third in the League of Ireland Premier Division as early strikes including that Faz Kuduzovic spot kick and a second from Billy Dennehy compounded the misery for the depleted Candystripes who are beset by issues with player wages.

In the 18th minute of a game that required two pre-match pitch inspections before being allowed to go ahead, Kuduzovic set in motion the move that would eventually lead to that controversial penalty. He shared a one-two with left winger Billy Dennehy who then carried to the endline before pulling the ball back to Silagailis. The Latvian went down a little too easily under the challenge of James McLean and, much to Kenny’s obvious dismay, referee Richie Winter pointed to the spot.

After a heated discussion, the path was clear for Kuduzovic to drill his penalty to the top right hand corner.

Aware of their good fortune, Cork pressed for a second and were rewarded within five minutes. Kuduzovic dispossessed Ger O’Brien on the right flank before drilling a dangerous low ball deep into the area, allowing Dennehy to tap-in from close range.

But it was the opener that haunted the Derry sideline most.

“Cork didn’t even appeal for a penalty,” pointed out Kenny afterwards. “It’s just an outrageous decision really. I’m just bewildered by it, I don’t understand, it didn’t look remotely like a foul. Of course it changed the game, there’s no question.

“Our players showed great spirit, they passed the ball well. We hit the inside of the post, Dan Connor pulled off a great save. Cork were dangerous themselves. It was a good open game. The players got on with it in fairness to them. I’m just gutted to lose the game although the second one was a poor goal to give away. We weren’t beaten 1-0 to be fair, it was 2-0. But that decision knocked the stuffing out of us.”

Cork City manager Paul Doolin admitted afterwards that he wasn’t sure about the key decision that went his way so early.

“It’s hard to tell,” he said. “But the one thing I would say is that we should have got a penalty in Derry in the 91st minute so these things do even out. Hopefully it doesn’t go against us now between now and the end of the season. I do think we deserved the win though.

“Our defensive work was excellent and that’s what I always want to see. I don’t think they opened us up as we did them. There’s six games left and you never know what could happen. Considering what the players are going through, it’s fantastic. I hope they get something from it.”

CORK CITY: D Connor; G O’Halloran, K Long, D Murray (capt), D Murphy; D O’Neill, C Lordan, S O’Donnell, B Dennehy; G Silagailis, F Kuzodovic.

Subs: G Cambridge for Silagailis, 83.

DERRY CITY: G Doherty; G McGlynn, E McCallion, G O’Brien, J McLean; D Scullion, K Deery, R Higgins, L Kearney; M Farren, T McManus.

Subs: S McEleney for O’Brien, 64; C Martyn for Scullion, 67; A Nash for McManus, 76.

Referee: Richie Winter (Dublin).