Rovers leave it late to secure dramatic comeback victory
Ryan O'Kane of Sligo Rovers, right, celebrates with teammate James McManus after scoring their side's third goal during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Cork City and Sligo Rovers at Turner's Cross, Cork. Picture: Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Sligo Rovers are now eleven points clear of Cork City at the foot of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division table after they came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in Turners Cross last Friday evening. Cork’s goals came from Evan McLaughlin and Sean Maguire with Rovers responding through Owen Elding, Patrick McClean and Ryan O’Kane.
In what was a must win game for both sides it was Cork who struck first as they took the lead in the 7th minute. The ball came out left to Kitt Nelson and he played it into the feet of McLaughlin, who turned and shot low inside the post.
They could have doubled their lead in the 16th minute. A long kick out by Cork goalkeeper Conor Brann bounced favourably into the path of Maguire who found himself in on goal, but his effort lacked power and was easily gather by Rovers goalkeeper Sam Sargeant.
The hosts were playing well with Rovers struggling to get into the game. Their first shot on target came five minutes into the second half with Will Fitzgerald and Conor Reynolds linking up on the right. The former hit a strong left footed shot that had to be tipped over by Brann.
Cork then doubled their lead in the 56th minute. Nelson and Alex Nolan combined on the right to play in Maguire. His first effort was saved by Sargeant but with the ball squirming loose, the Cork striker managed to win it back and score with a close range shot on the turn.
Their lead was halved on the hour mark. Fitzgerald fed Jad Hakiki and his first time through ball had Elding racing in on goal. His initial shot was saved by Brann, but Elding had continued his run and put in the rebound.
They could have drawn level in the 78th minute. James McManus with a disguised pass from midfield that created space for Hakiki in the box. His shot on the bounce was beaten away by Brann in the Cork goal for a corner, where Fitzgerald sent over an outswinger from the left which McClean ran onto as his header went across goal and in.
In the 88th minute Cork had a glorious chance to go back in front, but the opportunity would in turn lead to the winner for Rovers. Nolan picked up the ball on the right and worked his way across. His resulting shot beat Sargeant only to hit off the crossbar and bounce down on the line, Maguire was unable to put in the rebound and Rovers managed to clear. The ball was played up field, with Francely Lomboto heading it down for Hakiki. He passed short to O’Kane who got a shot away from inside the box that had enough on it to get under Brann and into the net.
Such was the nature of the game that Cork did have another chance to earn a point in stoppage time. Nolan put over a corner from the right which Rovers failed to clear, with the ball bouncing in the box Kaedyn Kamare flung his head at it only for Sargeant to be well positioned to make the save.
Rovers are back in action this coming Saturday evening in the Showgrounds and Shelbourne are the visitors. Kick-off is at 7:45pm.
