Matthew Murray the difference as Nash’s Cork City show new attacking edge

A big three points, and only a fourth league win of the season. It is becoming clear now that Cork City are beginning to get it right. The defence, shored up in recent weeks, has looked sound. On Friday night, the attack finally caught up.

Two goals were enough – four if you count the ones ruled out for offside – and it was the first time since April, another home win over Waterford, that City had managed more than one goal in a league win. Manager Ger Nash left Turner’s Cross content with the balance of it all.

“Really pleased, really pleased with the players,” he said. “We’ve obviously picked up some points in August, Galway, Waterford in the Cup, Derry away. But I think the bedrock of all performance was mostly defensive. How we just defended, we were resolute.

“We had a clean sheet tonight, but I think the game looked different. We were far more front footed, attack minded in the game. And I think that's really important for us and it's something we've been trying to do a lot.

“There were chances at both ends. I think you saw it in the first half, we turned the ball over a couple of times and then we were open. And that's the risk, and it’s risk reward,” Nash explained. “Because the other side is we have players on the pitch in more attacking positions and we create more chances.

BALANCE

“So we need to find a balance because we have to win games. It's pretty simple. I think tonight we had a really good balance to our play. They had chances, I think most of it came from our turnovers, especially in the first half, but I think in the second half, at 2-0 up, obviously the game's open, they're trying to get back in the game.

“I think we had numerous chances, their keeper made some great saves, we've hit the target where we could have added more. The last 10 minutes we went to five at the back just to kill the game, frustrate them,” he added. “We thought long and hard about it, because we thought we could probably get another one in the game.

“But equally, if it goes to 2-1, sometimes the mood can change in the stadium. Overall, really pleased for the players, they're working so hard for me at the moment.

“People like Rory [Feely] and Seani [Maguire] were just different class tonight. It's a good night for us.

But we need to win more games, it’s as simple as that, we know what we have to do. We have to win.

“We've a cup game next to prepare for, but Shamrock Rovers is on my mind because we need to pick up points, as simple as that.” 

The spotlight fell on Matthew Murray, still a teenager, who set up the first and scored the second before injury forced him off. Nash confirmed both Murray and Josh Fitzpatrick would be assessed.

We'll check him out tomorrow [Saturday]. Fitzy came off injured as well, obviously. If Josh Fitzpatrick comes off injured, then it's probably serious because there's not a tougher lad you’ll meet, and prouder Cork man you’ll meet.” 

The injuries were eased by returns elsewhere. Alex Nolan back, Sean Murray and Charlie Lyons on the pitch, Greg Bolger an unused substitute.

“I'm really proud of them, so many young players on that team. It's incredible. It's five teenagers again starting and even our older players aren't old, Conor Brann’s 22, he’s barely played a game, Evan McLaughlin is 23, what a goal he scored. Darragh Crowley plays in any position and he's absolutely fantastic, what a man, can’t speak highly enough of him.”