CORK CITY celebrated yesterday's win at Turners Cross enthusiasm after making sure their position in the premier division was safe for another season. A frustrated Drogheda United now face a nervous finish to the competition with a desperate battle against relegation on their hands.

In truth, Drogheda should have saved a point yesterday, for they had plenty of scoring opportunities.

It was significant that their only goal came from a full-back. This arrived after 60 minutes when Drogheda forced a corner on the right. Trevor Crolly's kick was headed on by substitute David Fairclough and Paul McLaughlin supplied the finish at the far post.

But Drogheda were already two goals in arrears as John Caulfield, showed lively form for Cork up front. He scored both their goals and was unlucky not to finish with a hat-trick.

"It was a big relief to hear the final whistle" said Cork manager, Dave Barry. "After losing four matches in a row, it was beginning to play on our minds, so we are all glad we do not have to worry anymore.

Caulfield could take most credit for that. He struck his first goal just after 14 minutes following an excellent pass from Gareth Cronin. His second arrived after 61 minutes, a splendid solo effort. In the dying minutes he twice came close to completing a hat-trick.