Cork City regained the leadership of the National League as a result of a sparkling first half performance against Finn Harps at Turner's Cross on Saturday. They are level with St Patrick's but marginally ahead on goal difference
Cork scored twice in the first half with headed goals from Mark Herrick after seven minutes and John Caulfield after 38 and it was enough to see off the challenge of an under-strength Finn Harps side.
Cork needed the cushion of these goals for Finn Harps came back strongly in the second half on the back of an inspirational goal from centre forward Jonathan Speak.
He struck a glorious shot into the roof of the net from a free from 19 yards after 63 minutes to upset Cork who appeared to be coasting to a comfortable win.
It was not enough, however, for Finn Harps who began the game with four changes in personnel from the team that beat Galway in the Cup semi-final.
Finn Harps were a little unlucky after 68 minutes when Speak again beat the goalkeeper but this time his shot was taken off the goal-line by Gareth Cronin.
Cork were in control again in the closing quarter and should have extended their lead when substitute Johnny Glynn headed wide of an open goal after Ollie Cahill had found him with a splendid cross.
Cork's high-powered start was the result of a deliberate policy explained manager Dave Barry afterwards.
"We set out to win the match early to take the pressure off ourselves and I was delighted with our first half performance," he said. "We did the same in our previous game against Sligo Rovers and we have scored five goals in the first half of our last two games".
CORK CITY: Mooney, O'Donoghue, Hill, Cronin, Barry Murphy, Flanagan, Herrick, Freyne, Cahill, Morley, Dobbs. Subs: Caulfield for Dobbs (28 mins), Glynn for Morley (77 mins).
FINN HARPS: D Bradley, R Boyle, D Boyle, Dykes, S Bradley, Mohan, McGettigan, O'Brien, Kavanagh, Mulligan, Speak. Subs: McGrenaghan for O'Brien (56 mins), Minnock for Kavanagh (85 mins), McHugh for R Boyle (86 mins).
Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).
