GALWAY UNITED 2 CORK CITY 3
Ultimately, a compelling contest at Eamonn Deacy Park concluded in a harrowing defeat for Galway United.
Cork City's collection of youthful and experienced players left the west armed with three points following a gutsy display.
It wasn't all about sheer heart, though, because City signalled their intent early on.
Dylan McGlade's 15th minute goal following Barry Coffey's quick free ensured City hit the front.
United were back on terms in the 24th minute as Wilson Waweru appeared to connect with Killian Brouder's long throw-in.
City were ahead again two minutes later when Darragh Crowley scored following Ronan Hurley's cross.
Four minutes before the break United levelled again when Brouder scored in a packed area.
After the restart City custodian Mark McNulty made smart saves to deny substitute Shane Doherty and Ruairi Keating.
City substitute Sean Kennedy struck for a crisp winner 12 minutes from time as Colin Healy's outfit earned a vital victory.
Galway United: Kearns; O’Keeffe, Nugent, Brouder, Walsh; McCormack, Boylan (Rowe, 84 ), Hurley (Oluwa, 84 ); Place (Doherty, 63 ), Waweru (Cunningham, 63 ), Keating.
Cork City: McNulty; Walker, Honohan, Coleman, Hurley; Crowley, Byrne (Bolger, 75 ), Coffey, McGlade; Murphy, O’Brien-Whitmarsh (Kennedy, 75 ).
Referee: Michael Connolly.
