Cork City leave it late to break brave Wexford hearts

Late goals from top scorer Ruairi Keating and Dutch super-sub Malik Dijksteel swept Cork City into the FAI Cup semi-finals for the first time in five years at a rain-drenched Turner's Cross last night.

An extraordinary goal from Aaron Dobbs two minutes into added time in the first half almost caused the shock of the round but a brave Wexford were denied at the death.

After almost 24 hours of rain, the game finally got the go-ahead at five o’clock after two pitch inspections.

James Keddy’s Wexford arrived with just one defeat in their previous 10 matches but when both teams were in the lower tier, Cork had a good record against them.

City who beat Treaty and Waterford in previous rounds made one change from the 3-0 home win over Sligo Rovers with Ally Gilchrist coming into the back four for the injured Kevin Custovic.

Wexford, in their all-purple away kit, knocked out Avondale United and St Patrick’s CY in the previous rounds.

Cork created the early chances as Owen Mason saved from Keating, Jaze Kabia curled another effort just wide of the far post, and then on 20 minutes, Keating fired just wide from Cian Bargary’s pass.

Despite all City’s possession, the visitors created the best scoring opportunity on 36 minutes when Darragh Levingston’s deflected shot forced Ollie Byrne into a brilliant one-handed save.

And Wexford scored an extraordinary lead goal in trying to give the ball back to Cork after Gilchrist was receiving treatment on the touchline.

Levingston took the throw and in attempting to give it to goalkeeper Byrne, Aaron Bolger tried to head it clear, but only managed to give the ball to Aaron Dobbs and did the rest scoring with a low finish on the stroke off half-time.

It was the first goal City conceded in this year’s