CUFL Premier Division South

Teams: University College Cork 0 vs Cork IT 1

Report CIT:

CIT travelled to UCC in an eagerly anticipated local derby that never fails to provide an extra edge and spice. To add to the occasion UCC desperately needed a win to put them back into contention in the league and they also wanted to get revenge on their neighbours having been defeated twice in CIT last season. CIT had already recorded an away win in Tralee but had a disappointing result last time out when they gave away a lead to draw with CSN, so they were keen to come away with a positive result.

The opening stages of the game saw CIT settle the better, keeping the ball well and they looked strong in midfield with Brian Murphy and Rob Watson controlling the play. Gavin Moore and Conor Conneally broke well on several occasions but the final ball was lacking from the away side. Moore then received an injury and had to be substituted. CIT failed to settle after this offering UCC an avenue back into the game. Rob Waters began to influence the game a bit more from the right and Shane Geasley up front for the home team was looking dangerous on the attack. UCC’s best chance of the first half saw a Jordan Philpot cross from the left go deep to the far post, Rob Waters found himself in space but was disappointed not to work CIT keeper Shane Murphy.  CIT’s most notable chance of the first half saw Conneally once again break from midfield, Willie Heffernan provided a sublime pass cutting through the UCC defence, Conneally managed to go past the UCC keeper, Michael Dorgan, and just as it looked like he would finish an extra touch took him too wide, the ball was cut back but the UCC defence were able to scramble it away. Half time 0-0.

The second half began much the same as the first with CIT in the ascendancy. The early pressure paid off within two minutes, a Willie Heffernan corner was headed clear but Rob Watson who was lurking on the edge of the area hit a thunderbolt on the half volley finding the top comer with a deflection helping it on its way, giving Dorgan no chance. One nil CIT. CIT didn’t sit back on gaining an early advantage and pressurised UCC high up the park not allowing the home team to gain any momentum. Both sides made changes but CIT’s Gavin McCarthy and Josh Murphy proved to be more influential. The second half began to filter away but UCC still looked dangerous with some excellent set pieces. With 15 minutes remaining the home side created their best chance, again from a set piece. Simon Holland rose above the CIT defence with a towering header and just as it looked like he equalised, Rob Watson managed to get himself back on the line to steer the ball clear. UCC huffed and puffed but the defensive pair of Colm Nugent and John Forrest looked comfortable and CIT were able to see out the victory. UCC 0 CIT 1.