Honours even as late goal gives Cork share of the spoils

Cork 1-14 . . . Derry 1-14

Derry made the long journey to Leeside on Sunday in a positive state of mind. Rory Gallagher’s squad were confident, their place in the Division 2 league final was assured, and that they were guaranteed top-tier football for 2024.

The improvement under the stewardship of Gallagher has to be commended. And even if they were stung by a late, late goal from Cork’s midfielder Ian Maguire in the 78th minute for a share of the spoils - they sit top of the table and remain unbeaten in Division 2.

Derry had put themselves in a strong position for ultimate honours when they pushed eight points clear in the 53rd minute.

Cork came with an incredible surge to outscore the visitors 1-6 to 0-1. Surrendering control will, no doubt, be used in the training ground this week as they prepare for a league final against Dublin.

Gallagher and his management team made seven changes coming into this game, including one late alteration with Ethan Doherty replacing corner-forward Benny Heron - Doherty would line out at wing-forward.

Cork, meanwhile, made three alterations. 

Derry, played into the city end of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and against the wind in the first-half, and were off the mark in the sixth minute when Niall Toner found the range.

Shane McGuigan (twice), Toner and Brendan Rodgers all kicked points as this contest appeared to be going in the one direction. It could have been better as McGuigan got himself in position for a green flag but it did not materialise. Their ability to carve open space, evident.

Cork had a good goal chance too, but that too spilled away harmlessly over the end line. The hosts trailed 0-6 to 0-3, Derry very much on the front foot as they increased their lead through Toner and a McGuigan free.

Cork played with more conviction in the final 10 minutes of the half. Helped by a black card which was issued to Gareth McKinless in the 33rd minute by Wicklow referee Anthony Nolan, Steven Sherlock sent over a brace to close the gap to three points, 0-9 to 0-6.

Steven Sherlock of Cork in action against Derry during Allianz Football League Division 2 game. PHOTO: Eóin Noonan / SPORTSFILE

The influence of ‘keeper Ryan Scullion was crucial as Cork raided straight from the restart. He showed a safe pair of hands under the dropping ball, as well as stopping Sherlock. 

Significantly, it prompted a swift response from his attack, with Derry notching four unanswered points within a 10-minute spell. And these white flags were all from play courtesy of Lachlan Murray, full-back Padraig McGrogan, McGuigan and Doherty.

It was looking optimistic for the Oakleafers.

As well, Conor Glass was introduced at this juncture around the same time McKinless returned to the action from the sin bin.

By the 50th minute, a sizeable gap opened up, 0-13 to 0-6.

Cork hadn’t scored for quarter of an hour, but they chipped away at the deficit. A point each arrived from Killian O’Hanlon and Sherlock.

The reply was swift. Doherty and Murray were heavily involved before the ball was eventually booted over the line by defender Shea Downey. 

Game, set and match - you would have thought. Textbook stuff from Derry - the best team in this league.

Complacency let them down. 

Gallagher content with Derry's progress

Or could you say, it was the power of perseverance.

Cork, roared on by home support, started to empty their bench. 

First substitute, Conor Corbett hit a brace. Colm O’Callaghan had one earlier. Kevin O’Donovan and O’Hanlon added a pair, and when Corbett curled over a free following a foul on O’Donovan, amazingly the margin was reduced to four points, 1-13 to 0-14, and five minutes of regular time remaining.

For a team that looked done and dusted, this was an incredible fightback.

No score from Derry until the 71st minute when a Paul Cassidy point eased the tension somewhat.

There is no such thing as a safe lead.

Clinging on, 1-14 to 0-14, and the seven minutes of additional time that was announced elapsed, Cork who finished fourth in the league table and are safe for Sam Maguire, made one last assault - this after an important save from Michéal Aodh Martin to deny McGuigan.

Cian Kiely delivered a long high delivery into the danger area and it was met by Maguire who found the back of the net. This despite finishing with 14 men after Luke Fahy was black-carded.

Scorers for Cork: S Sherlock (0-4 frees), I Maguire (1-0), C Corbett (0-3, 0-1 free), K O’Donovan, K O’Hanlon and C O’Callaghan (0-2 each), C Óg Jones (0-1).

Scorers for Derry: S Downey (1-1), S McGuigan (0-4, 0-1 free), N Toner (0-3), E Doherty (0-2), P McGrogan, P Cassidy, B Rodgers and L Murray (0-1 each).

Cork: MA Martin; K O’Donovan, S Meehan, T Walsh; L Fahy, R Maguire, M Taylor; C O’Callaghan, I Maguire; B O’Driscoll, K O’Hanlon, R Deane; C Óg Jones, S Powter, S Sherlock.

Subs: C Corbett for S Sherlock (54), J O’Rourke for C Óg Jones (55), M Cronin for B O’Driscoll (58), C Kiely for M Taylor (58), P Walsh for K O’Hanlon (75).

Derry: R Scullion; C McCluskey, P McGrogan, P McNeill; P Cassidy, G McKinless, S Downey; P Cassidy, B Rodgers; N Toner, L Murray, E Doherty; B McCarron, S McGuigan, M Downey.

Subs: C Glass for B McCarron (39), C McKaigue for P McNeill (54), C McGuckian for M Downey (55), C Doherty for C McKaigue (60 inj), D Cassidy for L Murray (64).

Referee: Anthony Nolan (Wicklow).