Cork City 2 Longford 0Cork City scored a third successive win in the league for the first time this season to add to their growing optimism about claiming a place in European competition next season.

A goal in each half helped Cork to a win over a Longford side which must have been looking ahead to the FA1 Cup final. While Cork's win was deserved they had reason to be thankful Longford were not able to take the few scoring chances that came their way.

Cork recalled Greg O'Halloran to left-back to replace the suspended Danny Murphy and George O'Callaghan came into midfield in place of Colin T O'Brien, who is likely to be missing for more than a month because of a dislocated shoulder.

Longford Town had to compensate for the absence of the suspended Vinny Perth and while Alan Kirby was available again, he was on the substitutes' bench alongside Shane Barrett.

Longford were close to an opening goal when Dessie Baker's free in the 11th minute was deflected by the wall of defenders to leave goalkeeper Michael Devine stranded as the ball bounced narrowly wide. Then Philip Keogh shot wildly over after being set up by Baker. Early in the second half Stephen Paisley turned a shot over the bar from six yards following a corner from Seán Prunty.

Cork's Liam Kearney showed composure when he steered the ball wide of goalkeeper Stephen O'Brien in the 16th minute after O'Callaghan's header had left him free. They made the points secure in the 70th minute when John O'Flynn raced on to an excellent pass from Joe Gamble. O'Flynn finished in style with a shot from 22 yards.

CORK CITY: Devine; Horgan, Bennett, Murray, O'Halloran; Woods, Gamble, O'Callaghan, Kearney; O'Flynn (Behan 88), Doyle.

LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien; Dillon, Ferguson, Paisley (Barrett 82), Gartland; Martin, Murphy (Kirby 70), Keogh, Prunty; Keegan, Baker (Lavine 82).

Referee: J O'Neill (Waterford).