Battling Finn Harps make Cork City work despite FAI Cup exit

It was déjà vu at Turner’s Cross as Finn Harps completed their 22-hour round trip back to Ballybofey lamenting a one-goal defeat against Cork City for the second time in a week.

Malik Dijksteel repaid Tim Clancy for his switch into a central role by netting his first goal of the season before half-time. An FAI Cup specialist, his previous City goal came on their run to last year's semi-finals.

There wasn't another shot on target until the final minute of the 90 as City's place in Tuesday's third-round draw was never threatened in a game affected by a strong, swirling wind.

Darren Murphy made four changes from that 1-0 First Division defeat, with top scorer Success Edogun back but Seán Patton, David Cawley, Stephen Doherty, Darragh Coyle, and Kevin Jordan all unavailable.

He also rejigged his defence to switch Jamie Watson and Conor Tourish across to neutralise last week's match-winner Cathal O'Sullivan.

Harps had the better start last week but City were quicker out of the blocks in front of their lowest attendance of the season, with 1,359 fans through the turnstiles. 

They peppered the goal with six shots inside 14 minutes, with Cian Murphy forcing Tim Hiemer into two saves and Tourish into an excellent sliding block.

When Harps got on the front foot, their chances fell to Edogun. He headed high and wide before seeing a much closer effort deflected over by Evan McLaughlin.

Greg Bolger was orchestrating the City build-up play and he had a shout for a penalty against Patrick Ferry turned down by Gavin Colfer. After being booked for his protests, the unmarked Bolger volleyed over with their best chance yet from a Darragh Crowley cross.

They had the breakthrough in the 40th minute. McLaughlin, Murphy, and Conor Drinan were involved down the left to tee up Dijksteel and he found the bottom corner from outside the box. 1-0 at half-time.

Backed by the wind, the traffic continued to flow in one direction in the second half but Tourish made blocks from Dijksteel, Murphy, and Drinan to keep City out.

After the hour mark, Noe Baba headed a long throw off target and had his claims for a penalty waved away.

They never looked like equalising as City piled on the pressure for a late goal. Barry Coffey had an overhead kick blocked and another strike wide. And Hiemer made even later saves from O'Sullivan and Jack Doherty. 

Cork City: Brad Wade; Cian Coleman, Charlie Lyons, Greg Bolger, Malik Dijksteel (Barry Coffey, 76) Evan McLaughlin, Conor Drinan (Jack Doherty, 57 ), Darragh Crowley, Cathal O’Sullivan, Cian Murphy(Harvey Skieters, 76), Arran Healy (Sean Murray, 57 ).

Finn Harps: Tim Hiemar; Jamie Watson, Conor Tourish (Luke O’Brien, 69), Matthew Makinson, Noe Baba, Patrick Ferry (Gavin Gilmore, HT), Success Edogun, Ryan Rainey (Max Hutchinson, 68), Max Johnston, Tony McNamee, Gavin McAteer (Aaron McLaughlin, 63).

Referee: Gavin Colfer.