MAGIC MAGUIRE DOWNS THE CHAMPIONS

Dundalk 0-3 Cork City 

Seani Maguire and Cork City have dismantled champions Dundalk in what will prove to be the end of the road of Dundalk's title defence.

The Cork front man hit an impressive hat trick in what was a resolute and perfect game plan executed by the league leaders to topple their closest rivals.

As you would have expected the game started in a frantic fashion with Dundalk very much on the front foot but as the game grew Cork City proved that while possession is only one part to a game, its creating chances and taking them that counts. Sean Maguire proved that in abundance breaking the deadlock when a cross from the right by Karl Sheppard saw him swoop in and tap it past Gary Rogers to take the lead. He almost made it two before the break only for his snap shot to go wide.

The second half saw Dundalk grow in stature as they wanted to stamp their authority in Oriel Park. A great link up play down the left saw Jamie McGrath break into the area but his shot went well wide. Moments later from a Robbie Benson free kick Danish centre back Niclas Vemmelund tested Mark McNulty at the back post, however it was well saved by the Cork net minder.

Cork took control of proceedings when a somewhat unique throw in was sent in by Dunleavy and Maguire was on hand to add the finishing touch to send the Leesiders into pole position.

The man of the match wasn't just finished there when a mistake in the final moments of the game by Massey was latched onto by Maguire and he tapped it past Rogers to make it three on the night and more importantly three points.

This Cork team in terms of performance, stature and drive are worthy of the Premier Division title to date, for Dundalk its now consolidating second place and wondering could there be a massive change in fortunes come November, for both sides.