Dundalk has all but sealed the SSE Airtricity League title as they defeated Cork City 1-0 at Turner’s Cross on Friday evening. Stephen Kenny’s men made a dream start as they took the lead with just three minutes on the clock thanks to Chris Shields
Dundalk has all but sealed the SSE Airtricity League title as they defeated Cork City 1-0 at Turner’s Cross on Friday evening.
Stephen Kenny’s men made a dream start as they took the lead with just three minutes on the clock thanks to Chris Shields’ third league goal of the season. The midfielder played a clever one-two with Patrick Hoban on the edge of the City penalty area before his low drive deflected off Conor McCarthy and nestled in the bottom left corner of the net.
City eventually grew into the game but their best efforts in the first half all came from distance with Gearoid Morrissey twice firing over from range either side of Kieran Sadlier firing a free-kick straight at Gary Rogers.
Dundalk went close to doubling their lead before the break but Patrick Hoban couldn’t power his difficult volley on the stretch past McNulty following good work down the left by Michael Duffy.
The Lilywhites always seemed in control of proceedings and they ought to have made it more comfortable in the second period but Brian Gartland headed Michael Duffy’s corner over from close range.
City battled till the end but never threatened to level the scores as they slumped to their seventh league defeat of the season. Dundalk deservedly hung on to claim their first win at Turner’s Cross since April 2015 and they are nine points clear of second with a game in hand. The title looks like it is heading to Oriel Park.
