Scores galore as Galway win thriller in Cork

The wait for a first Allianz National League Division 2 victory of the season goes on for Cork while Galway remain firmly in the promotion hunt following Saturday's clash at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Despite a gutsy showing, Keith Ricken and his new-look Cork panel are facing into a relegation dogfight after Galway inflicted a third league defeat in four outings on the Rebels.

The outcome of Cork’s remaining league games with fellow relegation dwellers Down, Meath and Offaly will decide if the former stays in Division 2 or faces the prospect of dropping down to Division 3.

As for Galway, the Connacht side were pushed all the way during a high-scoring first half that concluded 1-12 apiece before scoring two crucial second-half goals to maintain their undefeated record.

Blake Murphy fired in a superb goal early on for Cork before their opponents responded. Shane Walsh won and converted a penalty prior to the Connacht side enjoying a productive spell to move 1-08 to 1-04 ahead.

Creditably, Cork hit back with Steven Sherlock landing four consecutive frees and Blake Murphy adding a marvelous score from distance to edge Cork 1-09 to 1-08 ahead after 30 action-packed minutes.

There was still plenty of injury time to allow both sides find their range with Owen Gallagher, Shane Walsh, Robert Finnerty and Matthew Tierney scoring for the visitors. Kevin O'Donovan, Tadhg Corkery and John O’Rourke responded for the Rebels to leave nothing between the teams at the interval.

Shane Walsh converted a free at the beginning of the second period but once again, Cork responded with Sherlock levelling from a free.

Galway upped the tempo from that point onwards, forcing Chris Kelly into a pair is excellent saves. Sherlock kept Cork in touch before two goals