Cian Murphy goal enough as Cork City edge out Dundalk

Cork City secured a much needed victory in the League Of Ireland Premier Division following a tight contest against old foes Dundalk at Turners Cross.

Cian Murphy finished well on 37 minutes for the only goal of the game.

Fresh off the back of a heavy defeat to St Patrick's Athletic last Friday, this was exactly the response Colin Healy would have wanted from his side.

While Dundalk had plenty of possession over the 90 minutes, they were unable to break down a solid City rearguard.

This fixture was a renewal of one of the great modern League Of Ireland rivalries. It evoked memories from 2014 to 2018, when they regularly battled it out for domestic league and cup honours.

As far as this particular battle was concerned, it was Dundalk who had a decent opportunity in the opening minute, but Johannes Yli-Kokko was denied by a crucial tackle by City defender Jonas Häkkinen on the edge of the box.

In what was a tight opening half, Dundalk controlled the majority of the possession but were finding clear cut chances to be at a premium.

City gradually grew into the contest and were to create the more clear cut opportunities.

Just shy of the half hour mark, Ally Gilchrist headed just wide inside the box. Moments earlier when the ball broke into his path from a Cian Bargary long throw, Kevin Čustović saw his well-drilled effort blocked down well by Dundalk captain Andy Boyle.

On 37 minutes it was Colin Healy’s side that went into the lead. After a flock on by Ruairi Keating into his path, Cian Murphy raced through and slotted home neatly with a low finish, beyond the grasp of Dundalk goalkeeper Nathan Shepperd and in front of a delighted Shed End.

Dundalk looked to up the tempo early in the second half, with Connor Malley seeing his shot