Cork City returned to winning ways thanks to goals from Saoirse Noonan and two from Christina Dring as City ran out 3-0 winners against Limerick FC in the Só Hotels Women’s National League at Bishopstown.
City started the stronger side with a brace of early chances from Dring. The forward broke through the Limerick defence in the opening minutes only to see her effort saved. She then came within inches of connecting with a superb ball from Eabha O’Mahony, who skipped past two defenders during her charge into the box, on 18 minutes.
City took the lead on the half-hour mark. Zara Foley made a good run from midfield and got the ball to O’Mahony who found Rachel O’Regan on the far side of the box. She chipped back inside and found the head of Dring who put the ball away and forged her side ahead. At the other end, Abby McCarthy in the City goal was forced into a fantastic point-blank save to keep it at 1-0 at the end of the first half.
City continued to have the advantage as the second half began and quickly doubled their lead in the 50th minute. Dring won the ball on the edge of the box, rounded the goalkeeper and put the ball into the net to score her second goal and make it 2-0 on the day to City. Abby McCarthy, once again, had to be alert at the other end though, making another good save to deny Limerick a goal of their own.
City brought on Sarah Jones to make her club debut in place of Shaunagh McCarthy as the half progressed. Dring came close to claiming her hat trick on 60 minutes when she fired just wide; then, on 82 minutes, she received the ball from Ciara McNamara but her effort was well saved by Karen Connolly in the Limerick goal.
City wrapped up all three points in injury time when Katie McCarthy sent Saoirse Noonan through and the striker beat the goalkeeper to make it 3-0 at full time.
City are back in action next Sunday 21st of July when they host Kilkenny United WFC at Bishopstown.
Cork City: Abby McCarthy, Nathalie O’Brien, Ciara McNamara, Emma Farmer, Shaunagh McCarthy (Sarah Jones 55’) Zara Foley, Eabha O’Mahony, Katie McCarthy, Saoirse Noonan, Rachel O’Regan (Maggie Duncliffe 75’), Christina Dring (Kate O’Donovan 85’)
