Match Report: City 2-1 Bohemians

Cork City notched a massive home win over Bohemians on Friday night, as last week’s cancelled fixture seemed to have no effect on the Rebel Army.

A brilliant team display saw Seani Maguire and Ruairí Keating’s goals ensuring City clawed back from a goal down.

City’s starting eleven featured just one change from their opening-day clash against Galway, as the injured Cathal O’Sullivan was replaced by Sean Murray. Matthew Murray was a new addition on the bench.

Bohemians made five changes from last week’s 1–0 loss at Derry, as Jordan Flores and new loan signing Sean Grehan moved in at full-back. Captain Keith Buckley, James Clarke, and Dayle Rooney also stepped into the squad.

The Bohs were also without manager Alan Reynolds due to suspension for a red card received against Derry.

Cork City had the first clear-cut chance of the game. Rio Shipston’s corner was headed out as far as Sean Murray on the edge of the box, who unleashed a powerful effort that smashed against the crossbar.

Bohemians found the lead after twenty minutes, as Keith Buckley’s shot from outside the box took a huge deflection off of Freddie Anderson and looped into the back of the net.

Bohemians had another run at City’s defence just two minutes later as they searched for a second, with Dayle Rooney setting off on a mazy run up City’s left flank, but after beating two defenders skillfully his cross left much to be desired.

Bohemians could’ve doubled their lead afterwards when Dawson Devoy dodged two City players as he dribbled into the box, he then set Ross Tierney up but his shot had to be better to beat Tein Troost, who then saved the rebound straight after in a brilliant double-save.

Tierney in particular was a constant thorn in the side of City’s defence during the first-half, and opportunities kept falling his way as he threatened from a header just past the half-hour mark.

City knew they had to reply before half-time, and after thirty-five minutes Seani Maguire found the equaliser. The striker got on the end of Rio Shipston’s deep cross and nodded past Talbot in goal with a proper poacher’s finish.

A goal apiece at half-time was a fair scoreline in what was an exciting half, both teams had chances but Bohemians were undoubtedly causing City big trouble on both wings.

City had a chance to get ahead after the hour mark, Benny Couto’s deep ball into the box was cushioned brilliantly by Keating, but the striker knocked the ball high and over the bar.

Malik Dijksteel then set Seani Maguire up on the edge of the box, but the striker didn’t cause much trouble with his near-post strike.

With fifteen minutes left, City broke on the counter-attack with Alex Nolan and Ruairi Keating, but the latter was dragged down by Leigh Kavanagh as he prepared to shoot, but the shouts for a penalty were waved away by the referee.

Cork City grabbed the winner thanks to Ruairí Keating. The striker received the ball from and dribbled menacingly towards the Bohemians box, left Kavanagh for dead with a feint and rocketed a right-footed shot into the back of the net at the Shed End.

James Talbot should’ve probably had the shot covered, but Keating didn’t mind as he celebrated in front of the Shed End support.

In the dying moments, Bohemians centre-back Rob Cornwall earned himself a second yellow card for a late tackle on City substitute Harvey Skieters.

It was a hard-fought win for City who earned a huge three points and their first victory in the Premier Division since their return, and It will be a huge confidence boost as the squad have a quick turnaround before travelling to Waterford for a big Monday night derby clash.