Cork City injected hope back into their title challenge by defeating Galway United at Terryland Park with a clinical performance.

 

A decent, passing game was decided by Cork’s ability to strike for goals despite Galway’s energetic display.

 

The football was tidy early on as both team’s sought to pass the ball, and Cork might have nicked an eighth minute lead, but Denis Behan’s long range free kick struck the post.

 

Galway, though, were very much in the contest too, and from an Iarfhlaith Davoren cross the smashing Jay O’Shea forced a reflex save from Dan Connor.

 

It was an open game and Cork went close in the 17th minute when Faz Kudozovic crafted a chance for Joe Gamble, who was unable to seriously test Galway custodian Barry Ryan.

 

But Ryan was unable to prevent Cork taking a 36th minute lead when Guntars Silagailis pounced after Galway failed to clear a Colin Healy corner.

 

That setback vexed Galway for a while, but the locals did start the second period full of determination as John Russell clipped an effort on target.

 

But Cork’s defence was solid with skipper Dan Murray ably assisted by Pat Sullivan, and the rebels bagged another goal in the 67th minute.

 

On this occasion Silagailis turned provider, Faz Kudozovic supplied a splendid finish, and Cork gleefully celebrated the strike.

 

Galway United: Ryan; Conneely, Breen, Guthrie, Davoren; McBrien, Russell (Murphy, 88), McGrath; O’Shea, Faherty, Edwards (Molloy, 72).

 

Cork City: Connor; Horgan, Sullivan, Murray, Murphy; Healy, Gamble, O’Donnell; Silagailis, Behan (O’Connor, 82) Kudozovic.

 

Referee: D Hanney (Dublin).