Galway United vs Cork City

City were on the cusp of their first national silverware for almost five years when Galway produced a comeback to add another twist to an intriguing First ...

Matt Healy was the matchwinner on his last trip to this venue and he almost set up the breakthrough on this occasion with a delicious corner. Turnouts accumulating near 16,000 had paid in to watch the three previous meetings of the division’s duopoly, reaping meagre rations in terms of goals. He possessed the poise and composure to switch the ball from one foot to another, unleashing a shot with his left that clipped Portilla, taking it away from the dive of Kearns and hitting the net off the post. His fellow defender Jonas Häkkinen was first to react to the loose ball but scuffed his shot from six yards. Both clubs can expect fines for some of the disturbances. If the end of the first half started to smolder, the second began with fireworks – on and off the pitch.

Galway United celebrate Charlie Lyons' goal. Image: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO. Galway United 2. Cork City 1. Dylan O'Connell reports from Eamonn Deacy Park.

It was end-to-end and the home side should taken the lead when a Hurley corner missed Harrington and dropped to Rowe. It was all going so well until Max Hemmings got into space on the flight flank and crossed to the back post. The ball went back to Jonas Hakkinen and his limp follow up was scooped up by the Galway goalkeeper. United reacted by tightening up in the centre, and this forced City to come at them. His cross was cleared to Darragh Crowley and his shot was easily picked up by Conor Kearns. Matt Healy sent a short ball to Ruairi Keating, who sent it back to the midfielder.

Cork City can seal the First Division title later. They know a win over second-placed Galway United will secure promotion back to the top tier.

“We are hoping for a big home support on Friday night.” “Cork have been very good all season, but we have been good also. “We are looking forward to the game.