Waterford unlucky to draw derby
Cork City 1-1 Waterford United
It took a controversial penalty to deny Waterford united a famous win over Cork City in the first Munster derby for five years at Turner’s Cross.
Waterford had to play the final 25-minutes with just ten-men after inspirational centre back David Breen was dismissed for a foul on John O’Flynn as he was about to score. The referee pointed to the spot and reached for his red card, much to the disgust of the travelling support who felt the defender was harshly treated.
Dan O’Connor brilliantly deflected O’Flynn’s spot kick onto the crossbar but was helpless as the striker headed the rebound home.
Waterford had taken the lead in fortunate circumstances on 52-minutes. Billy Woods handled carelessly out near the sideline and Waterford were awarded a free kick, which Alan Reilly took. His left footed effort deceived Michael Devine in the Cork goal and sailed over his head into the net for a deserved if somewhat fortunate lead. That goal upped the tempo of what had been a fairly disappointing game to that point.
Despite their numerical advantage, Cork were on the back foot for the last quarter as jimmy McGeogh’s men went for the win. Reilly fired a shot, which Devine did well to save, and substitute Cosgrove had a great chance but blazed over.
Cork City – Devine, Hourigan (Carey 80), Bennett, Murray, Hedderman (Behan (90), Doyle (CP O’Brien 86), O’Grady, O’Halloran, Woods, O’Callaghan, Flynn.
Waterford United – Connor, Hughes, Breen, Byrne, Frost, O’Brien, Clifford, Mulcahy, Reilly (Cosgrove 84), Sullivan (Murphy 76), Waters
