Cork keep up red-hot form to stay top of the table

Cork City enhanced their title claims after putting Treaty United to the sword at the Markets Field, notching three Munster derby victories in the space of a week.

A three-goal opening-half performance from the visitors basically confirmed the result by half-time, with Colin Healy's charges outclassing the hosts throughout.

Tommy Barrett's approach is to downplay his achievements and constantly reaffirm that his Treaty side are effectively an amateur outfit who shouldn’t carry much expectation, but after a play-off spot last year and opening the season with a 5-1 hammering of Wexford, Shannonside had been struggling to temper its enthusiasm.

A loss to Galway United on Monday should indeed indicate to them that they’re still a rung below the full-time sides in the division, but their underdog mentality stood them in good stead last year - and they’re certainly trying to retain that tag for 2022.

On the other hand, a 2-0 win over Waterford four days ago has shown that this Cork City unit aren’t quite as naive as their 2021 early-season selves. They, rather understandably, named the same XI for this clash.

The Rebel Army were winless in their three games against Treaty United last year - a badge of honour for Barrett’s men - but new seasons bring new dynamics.

While a Munster derby should whet anyone’s appetite, the focus in the build-up was more on the Markets Field surface. Hosting football for the first time since the First Division playoff last year, there was a sense from the players after the postponement against Longford Town that the pitch itself wouldn’t be playable for a while.

And despite a massive chunk on the cathedral end being heavily sanded, it passed inspection much to the relief of club officials and those in