DLR Waves 1 - 2 Cork Women's FC

Republic Of Ireland senior international Denise O’Sullivan was sprung from the bench in the second half and scored an 89th minute match-winner for Cork Women’s FC away to DLR Waves in the Bus Éireann FAI WNL on Sunday afternoon in Jackson Park, Dublin.

O’Sullivan did not start again as she is being nursed back from an injury but was fit enough to take her place on the bench if so needed and after she replaced the hard-working Eimear Knightly in the 68th minute she gave Maurice Farrell’s unit another dimension in offensive areas.

And with moments remaining in the match O’Sullivan received an unselfish pass from captain Lynsey McKey and steered the ball home to earn Cork their first away win of the campaign.

Furthermore, the victory has also meant the Leesiders move up to fourth in the section because Peamount United’s dismissal of Castlebar Celtic FC at Greenogue ensured Cork leap-frogged the westerners.

Right-full Nathalie O’Brien was absolutely outstanding for Cork and created both of the Leesiders’ goals, the first of which was scored in the 17th minute by Amy O’Connor.

Marie Gallagher equalised with eight minutes of regulation time remaining however O’Sullivan’s subsequent effort secured back-to-back successes in the division for Cork.

O’Brien’s defence-splitting pass through Waves’ rearguard was complimented by an equally impressive finish from O’Connor and Cork probably should have been further in front at the interval.

O’Connor raced on to O’Brien’s pass and rounded goalkeeper Linda Meehan to score the game’s first goal.

Prior to that moment, McKey had a number of half chances for Cork, too.

However, Rachel Jenkins was a constant threat for Waves on the counter-attack combining well with captain Sylvia Gee.

Yet Cork should have extended their advantage early in the second period when Knightly’s intelligent dummy gave O’Connor room on the right flank.

O’Connor then squared to McKey however the attacker fired wide of Meehan’s post.

Cork began to pile on more pressure but Waves’ counter-attacking showed much promise and when Gee played Katie McCarthy through stopper Linda McNamara had to be quick off her line to guard against the impending danger.

Cork then had a legitimate shout for a penalty when O’Connor was upended in the area however the calls fell on deaf ears and Waves equalised via Gee’s pass to Gallagher.

Still, when O’Brien made a lung-bursting run down the right-hand side bypassing four Waves’ defenders with a minute of regulation time left the hosts were in trouble. O’Brien tore Waves apart before passing to McKey.

Cork’s captain correctly located O’Sullivan in the more advantageous position and the Knocknaheeney native made no mistake as Cork built on their previous win over Shamrock Rovers last weekend at Turner’s Cross.

DLR Waves: Linda Meehan, Avril Kilkelly, Louise Kearney, Niamh Connolly, Lauren Cavanagh, Alison Brien, Eimear O'Herlihy, Caroline Healy, Sylvia Gee, Michelle Dunne, Rachel Jenkins  
Subs: Katie McCarthy, Emily Jennings, Marie Gallagher, Lucia Espana de Cordoba, Laura Daniel, Amy Corcoran, Vicky Reynolds

Cork Women’s FC: Linda McNamara, Nathalie O’Brien, Lauren Murphy, Ciara O’Connell, Angie Carry, Claudia Hudner, Megan Kelleher, Kiera Hannon, Eimear Knightly, Amy O’Connor, Lynsey McKey (capt).
Subs: Denise O’Sullivan for Knightly (68), Sarah O’Donovan for Hudner (78).