Sport

Healy gives Cork a lift

League of Ireland Premier Division: Galway Utd... 1 Cork City..

Wed Jul 11 2007 - 01:00

League of Ireland Premier Division: Galway Utd ... 1 Cork City ... 2Since the tempestuous summer of 2002 one man's footballing tale has been largely forgotten. As the Saipan saga unfolded, Colin Healy was on the verge of being included as a late call-up to the Irish World Cup squad. Cruel and chronic injuries have disrupted Healy's career since the nation was divided.

Yesterday evening at Terryland Park provided further evidence of Healy's ability. Having delivered a midfield masterclass in Saturday's Intertoto Cup draw with Hammerby at Turner's Cross, Healy was brimful of intent once more.

While Healy supplied the midfield craft it was Roy O'Donovan who bagged a brace as City claimed a critical win.

It was an intriguing start as both sides fashioned opportunities in the opening quarter. United's pacy attacker Derek Glynn and Barry Moran both had chances, while Galway goalkeeper Gary Rogers was forced to make a splendid reflex save in the 14th minute.

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Liam Kearney evaded Wes Charles and the winger's deep cross located Healy at the back post. Healy made a crisp connection, but Rogers denied the midfielder and within seconds the locals filched the lead at the opposite end.

Alan Murphy whipped a cross to Derek O'Brien who steered an immaculate header to the roof of the City net.

As the evening evolved City improved considerably. Roy O'Donovan illuminated the third quarter with glimpses of class. O'Donovan went close twice after the break before bagging the equaliser in the 54th minute.

A horrible defensive lapse involving Colie James and Regillio Nootimer was ruthlessly punished by the City attacking pair. John O'Flynn rolled the ball into O'Donovan's path and the striker expertly guided his 19th goal of the season past Rogers. O'Donovan then clipped a clinical winner in the 74th minute.

GALWAY UNITED:Rogers; James (Lester, 77 mins), Nootimer, Reilly, Charles; Murphy, Fagan (Foley, 67 mins), Robson, O'Brien; Moran (Faherty, 66 mins), Glynn.

CORK CITY:Devine; Horgan, Murray, Kelly, Woods; Kearney, Lordan, Healy, Farrelly (O'Brien, 85 mins); O'Flynn (Behan, 86 mins), O'Donovan (McSweeney, 90 mins).

Referee:D McKeon (Dublin).