As the League Of Ireland First Division heads into the mid-season break, Cork City look to be very much on a one way train back to the Premier Division.
Tim Clancy's City side have dominated the local derby clashes with Cobh Ramblers this term and this particular Thursday night at Turners Cross followed a similar trend.
Although there is still a lot of football to be played after the mid-season break, at this juncture it is very likely City will be playing top flight football in 2025.
City at the mid season break are 11 points clear at the top of the First Division table, with 13 wins from 21 league games played, scoring 34 goals and conceding eight.
Ramblers are looking to remain very much in contention for the promotion playoff places, but could have few complaints about the full time score on this particular occasion.
City went close to opening the scoring in the 10th minute. After being teed up by Conor Drinan in the box, Jack Doherty forced a good save out of Cobh goalkeeper Darragh Burke.
One minute later, Tim Clancy’s side did go into the lead. Evan McLaughlin floated in a corner kick and on hand to capitalise was Cian Coleman, as he got free unmarked and headed into the corner of the net.
The hosts looked intent on extending their advantage, with Cian Murphy seeing a headed effort hit the post from a lovely ball in from Greg Bolger in the 21st minute.
City were well in control by the time the game reached the half hour mark. They went close again through Doherty, who scored 18 goals for Cobh last season, almost scored against his former side. Showing lovely skilful footwork on the turn, Doherty saw his shot hit the post.
The league leaders did not have to wait long until goal number two of the night arrived. From another City corner kick, the ball broke in the box and Darragh Crowley reacted quickest and finished from close range.
Tim Clancy’s troops were well in the groove and dominating proceedings. Sean Murray went close to getting his name on the scoresheet as he fired wide from outside the box on 42 minutes.
Cork were comfortable and in total command at the half time break, with major work required if Ramblers wanted to revive this derby contest.
A 2017 Premier Division and FAI Cup double winner with the club Greg Bolger brings plenty of experience to this City team. He almost provided a moment of absolute quality early into the second half as his long range shot hit the crossbar.
Goal number three for Cork arrived in the 53rd minute. Doherty came back to torment his former side, heading in neatly from a cross into the penalty area from Bargary.
With fifteen minutes remaining, Ramblers got a goal back when Nolan Evers headed in from close range.
But City wiped out any slim hopes of a Cobh fightback on 83 minutes, when Cian Murphy was rewarded for his hard work rate, as he finished from a few yards out after Malik Dijksteel teed him up.
Cork City: Brad Wade; Cian Coleman, Charlie Lyons, Greg Bolger (Barry Coffey, 67) , Evan McLaughlin, Cian Bargary (Josh Fitzpatrick, 75) , Conor Drinan(Malik Dijksteel, 58) , Sean Murray(Arran Healy, 75) , Darragh Crowley (Harry Nevin, 58) , Jack Doherty, Cian Murphy.
Cobh Ramblers: Darragh Burke; Justin Eguaibor, Brendan Frahill, Dean Larkin, Jack Larkin, Liam Kervick (Alessandro Desanctis, 85), David Bosnjak, Dale Holland (Nolan Evers, 46), Tiernan O’Brien ( Evan Deasy, 85) , Luka Le Bervet (David Eguaibor, 85), Jason Abbott.
Referee: Daniel Murphy.
Kerry FC secured their second home win of the season over Longford Town in the bottom-of-the-table clash at Mounthawk Park.
Their leading goalscorer, Killarney's Ryan Kelliher, made the difference on the night, scoring both goals, including the decisive winner seven minutes from time to give the hosts their fourth win of the season, pushing five clear of Longford on the bottom.
After Kelliher had put Kerry in front shortly before the half hour mark, Karl Chambers had hit back for the midlanders on the stroke of half-time. Longford dug on and appeared set for another draw on the road until Kelliher settled the game with an instinctive finish on 83 minutes.
UCD fell 11 points adrift at the top after being held to a 1-1 draw in Ballybofey. Jake Doyle put the Students in front shortly before half-time, but Success Edogun found the leveller for Finn Harps shortly after the restart.
Bray Wanderers jumped above Athlone Town and into third with a 1-0 win over the midlanders in the Carlisle Grounds, Cristian Magerusan scoring the decisive goal midway through the first half.
Treaty United secured a badly needed win, Lee Devitt Molloy scoring the only goal as they pipped Wexford FC in Ferrycarrig Park.
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