Browne brace delivers double for Cork City

Cork City completed the final leg of an historic double-double by defeating Shelbourne 3-1 in the final of the Enda McGuill Cup at Turner’s Cross last night.

City clinched the league last month, finishing two points ahead of a Shels team who came into this game unbeaten since December, and, thanks to a brace from star man Alan Browne and a delightful opening effort from Greg Henry, they secured the final piece of the collection in impressive fashion.

The opener arrived after 18 minutes as Sean O’Callaghan’s cross was pulled back by Browne and Henry powered a diving header past Shels stopper Ryan Graydon from 12 yards.

Browne then doubled the advantage on the hour mark with a stunning finish from a long free-kick punted forward by John Kavanagh, before the unrelenting midfielder doubled his personal tally and sealed the deal for City five minutes later after Jason Abbott’s initial effort was blocked down.

Shels scored a late consolation on 85 minutes through substitute Chris Donohue.

CORK CITY: Browne; Dineen, Lucey, Kennedy, Forde;

Kavanagh, Abbott, Henry (Murphy 88), Browne; Lehane, O’Callaghan (McAlavey 83).

SHELBOURNE: Graydon; Cornwall, Tobin, O’Connor, Gannon (Donohue 84); Prizeman (Connolly 68), Sheerin, Malone, Taylor; Cashin, Donnelly.

Referee: K Callanan (Cork).