Teen star Murray inspires Cork City to crucial win over Waterford
Matthew Murray scored a 54th minute goal to put Cork City 2-0 ahead against Waterford. Pic: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
Cork City character, Cork City class. Ger Nash called for both this week, and his side duly delivered, overcoming Waterford to cut the gap to Sligo Rovers in ninth to seven points.
17-year-old Matthew Murray and ‘keeper Conor Brann were undoubtedly the difference between the sides at Turner’s Cross.
Murray had a goal and numerous positive impacts by the time he departed 10 minutes into the second half, while Brann stood strong on numerous occasions.
City entered the evening with hopes of re-igniting their survival hopes, while for John Coleman’s men, it was all about distancing themselves from the relegation play-off conversation.
Once the minute’s applause in honour of the late Ollie Horgan – observed by 2,560, including Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson - had concluded, City wasted no time.
Josh Fitzpatrick’s through ball found Murray, who finished smartly, only for the offside flag to be raised.
The aforementioned duo’s influence on the game’s opening stanza meant City enjoyed a promising 20 minutes, but Muhammadu Faal was also causing headaches down City’s left.
Faal’s first impact of note arrived in the sixth minute, jinking past Rory Feely and engineering space for an effort on goal, but Conor Brann saved smartly.
The English striker’s presence was felt once more soon after. He found space on the right wing before finding the overlapping run of wing-back Josh Miles. He, too, was unable to beat Brann, however.
With Fitzpatrick forced to depart the field injured in the 20th minute, Murray and Matthew Kiernan found themselves carrying the City fight.
City midfielder Kaedyn Kamara was guilty of sloppy play on the half-hour mark and nearly cost his side. His wayward pass on the edge of his box was intercepted by Padraig Amond, who in turn fed Conan Noonan. The outcome? Another Brann stop.
The next 10 minutes would feature a further two stops from the City 'keeper, including a venomous Amond volley.
The closing stages of the half were to belong to Nash’s men – and in particular, Murray.
His relentless pursuit of gaps in the Waterford rearguard garnered a 40th-minute free. Kitt Nelson delivery, Seani Maguire headed finish. Offside flag raised – questionably.
Murray’s efforts would be rewarded in first-half added time, however. His persistence against Miles allowed him to cross dangerously. Radkowski’s half clearance was met by an Evan McLaughlin volley. One-nil City.
Their advantage would be doubled in the 54th minute.
Where Kamara went unpunished in the first-half, Blues midfielder Sam Glenfield was forced to lick his wounds after his wayward pass let Murray in for City’s second. The teen’s smart finish would be his last contribution after he was injured in the act of scoring.
Nash’s men had chances to extend their lead shortly after the hour mark, through Feely and Maguire efforts, but McMullan watched both go past his far post.
Freddie Anderson would be the next to try his luck at the Waterford goal, but his effort cannoned back off McMullan.
Coleman’s outfit sprung from there and substitute Trae Coyle found Amond inside the penalty area, but his effort was clawed away by Brann.
The rebound would fall to Faal, but his snap-shot was wayward. The quality of the Blues front-two should really have ensured they got back into proceedings.
City winger Alex Nolan – on for Fitzpatrick – would test McMullan further in the 72nd minute, but the stopper was equal.
City would hold the lead from there. The Rebel Army get their lifeline - and the Munster bragging rights. Waterford are dragged into the basement battle.
C Brann; D Crowley, F Anderson, R Feely, M Kiernan; E McLaughlin (C Lyons, 77), K Kamara; M Murray (S Murray, 55), K Nelson, J Fitzpatrick (A Nolan, 25); S Maguire.
S McMullan; J Miles (T Coyle, 63), K Radkowski, R McDonald, R Burke, J Dempsey (G Horton, 83); S Glenfield (J Rossiter, 63), J Olayinka, C Noonan; P Amond, M Faal.
Paul McLaughlin (Monaghan)
2,560
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