CUFL Premier Division South

Teams: IT Tralee 2 vs Cork IT 4

CIT travelled to IT Tralee in their opening game of the CUCL. The Tralee team were the only side to beat CIT in last year’s Munster section so they were favourites going into this tie. Both sides started slowly but the away side had the first chance when Rob Watson broke from midfield but his shot went down the throat of the keeper. It wasn’t long before IT Tralee got a hold of the game and became very dangerous from set pieces, but the excellent Barry Galvin denied them on a few occasions. With 5 minutes remaining in the half IT Tralee finally broke the deadlock. Menson the left winger picked the ball up just inside CIT’s half and dribbled past 3 CIT defenders at his ease before riffling a shot into the bottom corner. It looked like the home team would go into the break one up but a swift move from CIT saw Rob Watson find Willie Heffernan who slotted home. Half time 1-1.

Again IT Tralee started the second half stronger and a well place free kick found Menson who in turn once again found the back of the net. 9 minutes into the second half and CIT manager Steve Neiland made changes. Conor Conneally replaced Steven Morrissey and Alan O’ Driscoll replaced Rob Watson and from then on it was all about CIT. Gavin Moore now in centre midfield again and again found O’ Driscoll out wide who terrorised the home teams defenders with fantastic quick feet combined with excellent delivery. Heffernan then found space in behind and after seeing off the keeper he looked set to score but Tralee had two players on the line and he shot over. It was all CIT and an equaliser was on the cards. A Brian Murphy corner then found centre-half John Forrest who turned the ball into the net with a sublime finish. The home side now had their backs to the wall and it was no surprise when Brian Murphy found the net from a long range effort. IT Tralee attempted to get back in the game but it was the away side who looked more likely to score and it wasn’t long before Conneally made it 4-2. CIT were unlucky not to add to their tally through O’ Driscoll and Tong.

IT Tralee may feel aggrieved not to have at least taken a point from their opening fixture having played so well in the first half. But CIT’s second half display was of the highest standard and they deserved their victory in the end.

IT Tralee 2 CIT 4

Scorers: ITT:Fergal Maunsell (2). CIT: Willie Heffernan, John Forrest, Brian Murphy, Conor Conneally.