Max Mata on target as Sligo Rovers prove too strong for Cork City in 3-0 win at Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers moved six points clear of Cork City and in doing so, the relegation play-off place, as goals from Max Mata, Johan Brannefalk and Stefan Radosavljevic did the damage at the Showgrounds.

The much-needed victory moved the Bit O'Red to within six points of Shelbourne in sixth, while the Leesiders remain five points off Drogheda who sit one position above the play-off spot.

Despite the extremely poor conditions, both sides did produce a decent opening half of football with either camp coming up with strong spells.

Cork’s goalkeeper Jimmy Corcorcan was alert early on to keep out Kailin Barlow’s effort which almost found the bottom corner, while Mata arrived almost too early as he was unable to properly control Barlow’s cross from the right. The New Zealander’s header was easily gathered by Corcoran under his own crossbar.

The lively Barlow again went close on 20 minutes while Nando Pijnaker did well to block Tunde Owolabi’s shot on the turn as City manufactured their best spell of the half.

The closest City came to an opener was when Luke McNicholas went full stretch to keep out Kevin Custovic’s header which looked destined for the bottom corner.

Barlow was again involved on the half hour when Rovers went ahead.

The determined Sligo native managed to swing a cross on to the head of Mata, who nodded the ball into the ground, the bounce taking it over Corcoran’s arm for his 11th goal of the season.

The home side finished the half the stronger with John Mahon and Radosavljevic not far off doubling Rovers' lead. Mahon skied from the angle, while Radosavljevic couldn’t produce the power required to really worry Corcoran on 37 minutes after the Faroese international’s mazy run brought him past two Cork challenges.

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