Soccer

Cork City strike three times late on to see off Derry City

Ross Gaynor’s brilliant 74th-minute goal opens floodgates to set up semi-final clash with Bray

Ross Gaynor celebrates after opening the scoring for Cork City in their FAI Cup quarter-final replay against Derry City at Turner’s Cross. Photograph: Donall Farmer/Inpho
Ross Gaynor celebrates after opening the scoring for Cork City in their FAI Cup quarter-final replay against Derry City at Turner’s Cross. Photograph: Donall Farmer/Inpho
Mon Sept 14 2015 - 21:50

Cork City 3 Derry City 0

Three late goals propelled Cork City into a first FAI Cup semi-final since 2007 as they saw off Derry City at Turner’s Cross on Monday night.

It was a game lacking a spark for much of the first half, the most entertaining incident of the opening 20 minutes being the replacement of a faulty corner flag.

The hosts had had half-chances from Mark O'Sullivan and Garry Buckley before Ross Gaynor forced an opening, his shot saved and O'Sullivan's follow-up was kept out by Dean Jarvis on the line.

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Another Derry defender, Ryan McBride had to be alert to deny O’Sullivan on 36 minutes while Michael McSweeney also went close for Cork but at half-time it remained scoreless.

John Caulfield’s side upped the tempo upon the restart, but clear-cut chances remained at a premium.

It took until the hour for them to register a real opportunity, Buckley shooting wide after good work by Billy Dennehy and then Derry threatened to go ahead themselves. First, Philip Lowry had a low shot from 20 yards which came back off the post before Mark McNulty saved from Cillian Morrison. Then, McSweeney's good challenge denied Lowry before the home side found their touch.

Gaynor opened the scoring on 74 minutes with a 30-yard screamer after first Sheppard and then Liam Miller had done well, a challenge on Buckley sending the ball towards the left back. Four minutes later, Buckley headed Billy Dennehy's free kick home and then, late on, sub John O'Flynn made it three when he dinked over Gerard Doherty.

Cork City will travel to play Bray Wanderers in the semi-finals, the tie taking place on Sunday October 4th.

CORK CITY: McNulty; McSweeney, Murray (Bennett 76), D Dennehy, Gaynor; Miller, Dunleavy; Sheppard (O'Connor 86), Buckley, B Dennehy; O'Sullivan (O'Flynn 76).

DERRY CITY: Doherty; Cornwall, McBride (McLaughlin 76), Barry, Jarvis; Curran (Timlin 61), McEneff (Dooley 61), Lowry, McNamee, McEleney; Morrison.

Referee: D Tomney (Dublin).

Attendance: 1,154.

Semi-final draw: Bray Wanderers v Cork City; Dundalk v Longford Town. Ties to be played Sunday October 4th