Cork head east for dream UEFA Cup tie
By Larry Cooney
 Following their away goals victory over Djurgardens, Cork City have drawn Czech side Slavia Prague in the third round of the Uefa Cup.
It is far from a daunting task for the current eircom league leaders, who will not be too disappointed after avoiding big guns Everton and Auxerre.
Cork City’s impressive performance produced everything except a goal and prolonged their fairytale season, which seems to get better and better.
The Leesiders are now only one tie away from the competition’s group stages, and after a display full of confidence and belief, with no lack of class, Damien Richardson’s side have the capability to progress
On another memorable night at Turner’s Cross, Joe Gamble was outstanding in midfield with Dan Murray and Danny Murphy truly inspirational at the back.
But it was attacker Liam Kearney who really caught the eye and was most unfortunate not to break the scoring deadlock.
After an early scare by the visitors on 12 minutes, Cork City began to settle and created a good chance on 21 minutes, when Liam Kearney’s precise centre was headed across goal by Neale Fenn. On 33 minutes, a Cork break resulted in John O’Flynn getting through, but Djurgardens got back to clear for a corner.
The Swedes did not look full of confidence and Cork sensed their misgivings, with George O’Callaghan’s free-kick forcing a save from Pa Dembo Tourray. Fenn and John O’Flynn combined knowingly shortly before the interval, with Tourray forced to save from O’Flynn’s left-footed effort.
In general, the Scandinavians — who are also top of their league — looked strangely short of confidence and ideas.
The visitors did finish strongly and Daniel Sjolund’s hooked effort had Devine beaten, but bounced beyond the post.
In the next round Cork City will play the away leg first on September 15, with the Czechs visiting Cork at the end of September. |
