CORK CITY made a surprisingly tame exit from the FAI Cup at Turner's Cross, yesterday, where Sligo Rovers were in control for all but the closing 20 minutes. Cork produced some of their traditional fire and determination after Pat Morley had brought them back into the game with a goal after 66 minutes.

Sligo were under pressure for the first time in the match as Cork threw centreback Dave Hill forward to add some weight to their attack. Hill, Morley and John Caulfield all came close as Sligo were forced to defend desperately.

Goalkeeper Mark McLean was forced to make one outstanding save from Paul Wimbleton and Cork claimed in vain for a penalty three minutes into injury time. "My ankles were clipped as I was about to shoot," said Morley, who saw his effort fly over from 10 yards.

Apart from this closing spell, Sligo were clearly the better team in a match that saw Gardai forced to break up brief skirmishes between rival fans outside the stadium after the final whistle.

Sligo played Ian Gilzean in a roving role and his presence in midfield ensured that Sligo were on top. His ability in the air was especially useful when Sligo were forced to defend set pieces.

The extra man in the middle enabled Sligo put two men on the dangerous Gareth Cronin and as a result a vital supply to Cork's strikers was cut out, with John Caulfield and Morley making little impression.

Sligo scored after 39 minutes following a free on the right wing. Padraic Moran drove the free across the face of the goal and Andy Ramage reached the ball first at the near upright to turn it in.

Their superiority was confirmed with a second goal three minutes into the second half. Cork's defence was caught square as James Mulligan surged clear and his clever lob fell into the net despite the fact that goalkeeper Jody Byrne managed to get a hand to it.

"We were looking very comfortable when we were two goals in front," said Sligo manager Steve Cotterill, "but the referee added on about five minutes extra time and that was nerve wracking."