Sport

O'Flynn back with a flourish

Cork City 3; Dublin City 1: Cork City's John O'Flynn set up a winning start to the Eircom League season for the home side with…

Sat Mar 20 2004 - 00:00

Cork City 3; Dublin City 1: Cork City's John O'Flynn set up a winning start to the Eircom League season for the home side with a quickfire goal on his return to action at Turner's Cross.

O'Flynn struck within 13 minutes of the start of a game that had to be delayed for 15 minutes to allow an estimated 6,000 fans entry in time for kick-off.

Cork introduced two new signings into their starting team, both former underage internationals: 21-year-old Danny Murphy, formerly of QPR, came in at left back and Neale Fenn, the former Spurs starlet who was with Waterford United last season, slotted in to form a high-powered strike-force with John O'Flynn and George O'Callaghan.

Dublin City were much changed from last season, manager John Gill having signed virtually a new team, and were quickly subjected to pressure by Cork's high-powered attack.

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Centre forward O'Flynn played his first game in six months after a serious knee injury and needed just 13 minutes to announce his return. Released by a superb 40-yard pass from Murphy, he took it on his chest before stepping wide of the advancing Robbie Horgan and rolling the ball into the empty net.

Cork always had a more polished look about them and stretched their lead with a delightful goal from Fenn in the 66th minute. Kevin Doyle headed the ball into Fenn's path inside the penalty area and the striker dummied goalkeeper Robbie Horgan before pushing the ball into the net through the defender's legs.

Dublin hit back with a goal within two minutes after a mistake by goalkeeper Michael Devine. He pushed a free from substitute Keith Foy on to the crossbar and Gary O'Neill headed in the rebound.

Cork scored their third when Fenn turned the ball back from the deadball line and George O'Callaghan stretched to deflect it home.

Cork manager Pat Dolan was consigned to a grandstand seat by referee Jimmy O'Neill in the 77th minute for arguing with the fourth official.

CORK CITY: Devine; Horgan, K Murray, D Murray, Murphy, Doyle, O'Callaghan, CT O'Brien, Kearney (Woods 90), O'Flynn, Fenn (O'Halloran 90).

DUBLIN CITY: Horgan; Burke, Whelehan, Crowley, Byrne, O'Connor (Farrell 82), Scully, Tierney, Brennan (Foy 60), O'Neill, Collins (Maher 70).

Referee: J O'Neill (Waterford).