Hill keeps hope alive

Cork assistant coach Dave Hill believes Cork can continue their run in Europe despite tonight’s 2-0 defeat to Slavia Prague.

The Eircom League leaders lost tonight’s UEFA Cup first round first-leg tie 2-0 to a brace of second-half goals.

But Hill, deputising for the ill Damien Richardson, is looking forward to the September 29 return at Turner’s Cross.

He said: “We allowed Slavia too much space in the midfield especially in the first half, but surviving it with 0-0 was a bonus for us.

“And for this we have to thank goalkeeper Michael Devine, who provided a couple of magnificent saves.

“We came into the match after conceding the first goal, we were close to scoring the equaliser.

“But it is still half-time – with an early goal and support of our fans we can fight at home.”

Slavia coach Karel Jarolim also praised Ireland’s first representatives in the first round proper for the competition.

He said: “We have achieved a promising result, but Cork proved their qualities – there is nothing we might underestimate in the second leg.”