FIRST DIVISION ROUND-UP

 

 

Cork City   1   Wexford Youths  0

 

 

Vinny Sullivan got Cork’s promotion push off to the right start, even if a late red card for Kalen Spillane ruined the Rebels night.

 

Cork’s first half dominance finally told a minute before the break when veteran striker Sullivan tapped home Gearoid Morrissy’s cross for what would be the only goal of the night.

 

Defender Spillane, booked for a foul in the first half on Danny Furlong, received a second yellow on 88 minutes. 

 

 

 

 

Finn Harps  2  Limerick  2

 

Promotion fancied Limerick twice had to come from behind as both sides finished with ten men in a terrific encounter at Finn Park.

 

Veteran marksman Kevin McHugh fired Harps in front as early as four minutes when out-foxing the Limerick defence to head home Mark Forker’s free-kick.

 

But Limerick were deservedly level on 22 minutes. Paudie Quinn skipped by a couple of defenders to cross and Stephen O’Flynn forced the ball home.

 

But Harps hit back to regain the lead 14 minutes later. McHugh did well to set-up Tommy Bonner whose cross was tapped home by Gareth Harkin.

 

Forker was then the first to see red from referee John Grimes on the hour mark following a challenge on Gary Sheahan.

 

Harps' anger at the decision was compounded seven minutes later when Limerick levelled again with Quinn converting a left wing cross.

 

Limerick then had striker O’Flynn dismissed following an off the ball incident with Packie Mailey.

 

 

 

Waterford United  0   Athlone Town  0

 

Athlone defended well to frustrate promotion contenders Waterford and earn a draw at the RSC.

 

Blues dominated for good spells with Paul Murphy, Kenny Browne and Gary Dunphy all coming close on the first half while Conor Sinnott had an appeal for a penalty waved away.

 

Central defender Kevin Murray was pushed up front late on and he headed wide from a corner. Dunphy had a shot well saved by Michael Schlingermann while Seamus Long headed over the bar as Mike Kerley’s Midlanders held out for a big point.