EAMON ZAYED was the Derry City hero as the Candystripes claimed their tenth EA Sports Cup victory with a 1-0 victory over Cork City in the final at Turner’s Cross.

Having been guilty of missing two chances in the first half, Zayed then held his nerve to calmly convert his 65th minute penalty, deceiving Cork City’s goalkeeper, Mark McNulty, to score the only goal of a fascinating game.

Earlier Graham Cummins struck the Derry City post with a fine shot, whereas Derry’s Ruiadhri Higgins was also denied by the woodwork before Zayed settled the argument.

Although defeated, Cork can be positive because they played with a verve and passion which augurs well for next year. As for tonight, well Derry’s ability to move into a higher gear when the game reached its critical moment, ultimately proved decisive.

Troubled by Cork’s direct running, they nearly fell behind in the 26th minute when Cummins’ struck the upright. There and then, Cork became overexcited by their challenge, pushing forward needlessly and allowing their shape to disintegrate.

Derry’s response was striking. Increasing the pace of their attacks, they dominated the remainder of the half, hitting the crossbar via Higgins, coming close to two more goals from Eamon Zayed, all the while letting Cork know that if the temperature was going to increase, they could handle the heat.

Crucially for Cork, Gavin Kavanagh handled Kevin Deery’s 65th minute shot, conceding a penalty in the process, which allowed Eamon Zayed the chance to convert. He took his chance. Cork missed theirs as Derry’s defensive resilience proved crucial.


CORK CITY: Mark McNulty; Neal Horgan (Danny Morrisey 84), Gavin Kavanagh, Kalen Spillane, Danny Murphy; Ian Turner (Vinny Sullivan 75), Gearoid Morrissey, Shane Duggan, Derek O'Brien (Vincent Escude-Candau 75); Graham Cummins, Davin O'Neill.

DERRY CITY: Ger Doherty; Barry Molloy, Ryan McBride, Stewart Greacen, Emmet Friars; Gareth McGlynn, Kevin Deery, Ruaidhri Higgins; Eamon Zayed, David McDaid (Patrick McEleney 54) Stephen McLaughlin.

REFEREE: Paul Tuite (Dublin)