Devine keeps Cork in touch

Cork assistant coach Dave Hill hailed goalkeeper Michael Devine for keeping his side’s hopes of UEFA Cup progress alive in Prague last night.

The eircom League leaders lost their first round first-leg tie against Slavia Prague 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 told PA Sport: “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, and 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 Prague’s goals came from Tomas Hrdlicka, just past the hour mark, and Karel Pitak – 12 minutes from time.

But home coach Karel Jarolim also praised Ireland’s first representatives in the first round proper of 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.”