Two late second-half goals gave Cork City their 12th Premier Division win of this season when they defeated Galway United at Terryland Park last night, a result which keeps them in third place and a vital two points ahead of nearest pursuers St Patrick's Athletic.

The visitors dominated the early stages of this tie, which attracted a crowd of 1,600 as the result was important for both sides.

After 28 minutes, the always impressive Ollie Cahill for City floated a free kick from the right which Pat Morley just headed over the crossbar from five yards out.

This let-off gave Galway encouragement and after 32 minutes Kieran Foley let fly with an 18-yard drive which just whistled wide at the right-hand post.

Cork upped the tempo on the resumption when play was of a higher order than in the opening half, and City took a deserved lead on 75 minutes. Gerard Dobbs was fouled and from the resultant free kick Liam O'Brien struck the Galway wall but the ball fell into the path of Ollie Cahill. He sent a right-wing cross into the direction of Mark Herrick, who headed home at the far post from close range.

Seven minutes later, Cork sealed victory when Greg O'Halloran acted as provider for Morley, who toe-poked home from a few yards.

Galway Utd: Hickey; Neary, Foley, O'Connor, Morgan, Keogh, Sheridan, Keane, Gorman, Lavine, Donnellan. Subs: Coleman for Donnellan (59), Ogden for Gorman (68), Malee for Keogh (79).

Cork City: Mooney; O'Halloran, Coughlan, Daly, Napier, C O'Brien, L O'Brien, Herrick, Cahill, Morley, Dobbs. Subs: Glynn for Dobbs (88), Caulfield for Morley (90).

Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).