First Division: Doherty on the double in Cork City victory against Kerry FC

On the opening night of the 2024 League Of Ireland First Division season, the Tim Clancy era as Cork City FC manager got off to a winning start against Kerry FC at Turner's Cross.

The Leesiders are fully intent on an immediate return and securing automatic promotion to the Premier Division. With the youthful flair of the likes of Cathal O'Sullivan and Jaden Umeh, combined with the experience of the likes of Sean Murray and Greg Bolger, City will hope fresh new foundations can be laid this term after suffering relegation in 2023.

At 26 years of age, Kerry boss Conor McCarthy became the youngest manager ever in the League Of Ireland. The visitors threatened and had a great opportunity to take the lead in the 10th minute, when Sean McGrath went on a fine run towards the penalty area and his strike forced a save out of new City goalkeeper Brad Wade.

City will be hoping Jack Doherty provides a spark in the attacking third of the pitch over the coming season. He duly did that on 16 minutes when he put the hosts in front. Getting onto the end of a Harry Nevin cross, midfielder Doherty controlled the ball in the box before turning and planting a low effort to the back of the net.

What a strike by Jack Doherty!

Cork City 2-0 Kerry #LOITV | #CORKER pic.twitter.com/FaLXm9SkTQ

In the 26th minute City extended their advantage. After great link up play with Nathan Wood, Doherty got his second goal of the night as he showed deft footwork and maintained his composure in the box, before slotting home with precision from close range. The former Cobh Ramblers man was certainly making a good first impression in front of the Rebel Army.

It was largely comfortable for City from threat until the half time break, with that first half Doherty double