Cork City kept up the pressure on Dundalk as their bid to retain the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division title continued with a 2-0 win over Limerick FC in the Munster Derby at the Markets Field. Two second half goals from Garry Buckley sealed th
Cork City kept up the pressure on Dundalk as their bid to retain the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division title continued with a 2-0 win over Limerick FC in the Munster Derby at the Markets Field.
Two second half goals from Garry Buckley sealed the three points for John Caulfield’s side against a Limerick side that have troubled Cork in the two previous meetings this season.
Cork were without a few regulars for the Limerick game and Caulfield opted to name Steven Beattie as his captain for the game – an honour that Beattie was proud to have bestowed upon him.
“John pulled me before the game and said that he was going to make me captain for the day and told me to just do what I usually do. A bit of energy and stuff” said a visibly delighted Beattie.
“I was delighted. It’s a great honour. Obviously, a lot of great players have captained the club. Even if it’s just for a game, it’s a great honour for myself and delighted to get the win.
Beattie operated further upfield than he has been used to in recent times with the Cork manager opting to use him on the right wing rather than the right back position that he has excelled in over the last 18 months.
The former Bohs and Sligo man admitted that he found it tough throughout the 52 minutes he was on the park but was happy to fill in where needed after a long time out due to injury.
“It was totally different from full back,” he admitted. “I think Hacken in the Europa League (almost two years ago) was the last time I played there but I work very hard on my fitness even when I’m not playing.
“Even when I’m not playing I do runs after the game and getting back from achilles and calf injuries, hopefully now this is the road to recovery and injury free for the rest of the season. I’m delighted to be back out on the pitch and long may it continue.”
It took Cork just over 50 minutes to break down a resolute Limerick challenge and Beattie explained that John Caulfield’s half time talk was centred around patience and it was a tactic that certainly paid off.
“I thought we played very good football tonight but just not creating enough in the final third. John said at half time that it would come and that the Limerick boys would tire and that’s exactly what happened. Bucks took his goals superbly and I think we were very comfortable in the end.”
