Cork City come from behind to beat Cobh and move seven clear

Cork City took a major step towards the First Division title after beating Cobh Ramblers in St Colman's Park. City are now seven points clear at the top

WINNER: Cork City's Ruairi Keating celebrates his match winning goal against Cobh Rambler's during the SSE Airtricity first division game at St. Colman's Park. Pic: Eddie O'Hare

League Of Ireland First Division

Cobh Ramblers 1-2 Cork City 

Cork City took a major step towards the First Division title after beating Cobh Ramblers in St Colman's Park.

City are now 7 points clear at the top, after Galway United's defeat at home to Bray Wanderers.

Louis Britton threatened in the 7th minute as he headed wide inside the box from a Cian Bargary cross. Not long afterwards, Ruairi Keating got a low shot away inside the box, which was easily dealt with by Cobh goalkeeper Paul Hunt.

Ramblers were up for this contest, though, and went close through a Sean McGrath effort which tested David Harrington in the City goal, with James O’Leary also going close in a good spell for the home side.

There were two great chances at either end on the half hour mark, City had an excellent opportunity to take the lead, but Britton headed over from close range. Ramblers then went very close through a Brendan Frahill header that was kept out by a wonderful save from Harrington.

This was proving to be an intriguing derby affair, with Ramblers posing a number of questions of the City defence with Jake Hegarty just unable to get a strike away from a dangerous position in the box.

The teams went in level at the break and what was an evenly contested opening half of football.

Ramblers went very close early in the second half, as Conor Drinan flashed a shot just wide after a good ball through by Jason Abbott.

In the 50th minute Cobh went into the lead. From a Charlie Fleming ball into the box, Jake Hegarty was in the right place at the right time to duly flick the ball home. The goal at that stage was the least Ramblers deserved for their efforts.

But City got back on level terms just past the hour mark. Cian Bargary did well to break away down the wing before teeing up Keating, who slotted the ball home with a low finish.

Boosted by that equaliser, City pushed for a winner and Matt Healy threatened from a free kick on 70 minutes.

Ramblers were just as determined though, with Pierce Phillips forcing another fine save out of David Harrington.

With ten minutes remaining, City struck to go into the lead. From a corner kick by Healy, Keating was there again to knock the ball home and spark wild celebrations from the Cork City supporters.

Attention for City turns towards the FAI Cup next weekend, when they travel to face Premier Division side Derry City at the Brandywell.

COBH RAMBLERS: Paul Hunt; Charlie Fleming, Harlain Mbayo, Brendan Frahill, John Kavanagh; Pierce Phillips, Jason Abbott; Sean McGrath, James O’Leary, Conor Drinan, Jake Hegarty.

Subs: Daragh O’Sullivan Connell for Kavanagh, Luke Desmond for Phillips, Dale Holland for McGrath (all 76), Liam Kervick for O’Leary, Beineón O'Brien-Whitmarsh for Abbott (both 87).

CORK CITY: David Harrington; Jonas Häkkinen , Ally Gilchrist, Josh Honohan; Cian Bargary,Matt Healy, Cian Coleman, Aaron Bolger, Darragh Crowley; Ruairi Keating,, Louis Britton.

Subs: Barry Coffey for Crowley, James Doona for Häkkinen (both 78), Kevin O’Connor for Britton (87).

Referee: Sean Grant.