Cork City delivered a commanding 5-0 victory over UCD at Turner's Cross on Friday evening. The win extends their lead at the top of the First Division to a formidable 21 points, reinforcing their status as champions-elect.
Ruairi Keating set the tone with a hat-trick inside 27 minutes. He opened the scoring in the 16th minute, finishing from a Conor Drinan assist. Keating doubled the lead four minutes later after a pass from Jack Crowley. The striker completed his treble from the penalty spot after Harry Curtis fouled Cillian Murphy in the area.
Seani Maguire then took over, hitting the post before scoring in the 37th minute following a one-two with Keating. UCD pulled a goal back through a Hugh Smith penalty early in the second half, but Maguire restored the four-goal cushion just three minutes later, converting from a Chris N’Sa cross.
The result leaves Cork City sitting first with 71 points from 32 games. Their recent form shows two wins, two draws and one defeat from their last five outings.
Manager Tim Clancy gave late run-outs to academy players Ike Manjor-Georgewill and Tom McGrath. The team now prepares for a trip to face fifth-placed Longford Town next Saturday.
The original report is at irishexaminer.com
