Cork City close the gap on Dundalk with win at Bray Wanderers

Leesiders extend their unbeaten run to nine games thanks to Maguire and Sheppard

Cork’s Garry Buckley during their win over Bray Wanderers. Photograph: Inpho
Cork’s Garry Buckley during their win over Bray Wanderers. Photograph: Inpho

Bray Wanderers 0 Cork City 2

Two quick-fire goals in four seconds half minutes saw Cork close the gap on SSE Airtricity League Premier Division leaders Dundalk to just four points.

Now unbeaten in nine top-flight matches, strike duo Sean Maguire and Karl Sheppard sealed the points at the Carlisle Grounds last Saturday as City climbed above Galway up into second place.

The Rebels had to wait until the 67th minute before they hit the front. Greg Bolger's lofted pass down the left channel saw Kevin O'Connor drill a volleyed cross on the run into the box from the by-line. Sheppard challenged with a Bray defender and the ball dropped to Maguire who lashed a 14-yard half volley past Peter Cherrie.

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Then just three minutes later, the Leesiders doubled that lead. Substitute Gavan Holohan's deep corner was knocked down by at the far post by Garry Buckley. The ball fell to Sheppard on the penalty spot. His volley into the ground was initially saved by Peter Cherrie but the Wanderers custodian spilled from his grasp and over the line.

Bray Wanderers: Cherrie; Douglas, McNally, Kenna, Marks, Moore, Salmon (Noone 77), Creevy, Connolly, Pender, Lewis (McDonagh 63).

Cork City: McNulty, McSweeney, Bennett, Dunleavy, O'Connor, Bolger, Gearóid Morrissey (Holohan 44); Beattie (Danny Morrissey 63), Buckley, Sheppard (Dooley 88); Maguire.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin (Donegal).