Cork Hallowe'en cracker from Title and getting back where they belong as Daryl Horgan scores candidate for goal of the season:

Daryl Horgan: Wonderful, wonderful goal for City

      After all the possible permutations, the mathematics have now become very straightforward.  Last night's home win over Longford Town means that Cork City now, quite simply need to beat Shelbourne at Tolka Park on Hallowe'en Eve to ensure guaranteed promotion and the Airtricity League First Division Title.  

            Shels still have three games to play but even if they beat Salthill Devon today and Finn Harps on Tuesday, the chance to win the title will remain in City’s hands.  City's 3-1 win over a Longford side that had nothing to play for, coupled with Monaghan's home defeat to Limerick City this weekend, means the remaining fixtures become a lot clearer for the Rebel Army.

Neal Horgan kept things tight at the back for City

            The first half of the first half at Turners' Cross was rather lively with chances for Davin O'Neill at one end and a good chance for Longford's former Man.  United star Keith Gillespie at the other.             The homes fans were shocked after six minutes when the visitors took the lead with a smart finish from Mark Salmon, though the City defence had fallen asleep. 

           City however reacted well to the setback and had a number of good scoring chances before Davin O'Neill forced the breakthrough with a tap-in on 26 minutes.  The home side proceeded to dominate the remainder of the first half, but Longford nearly went in front on the stroke of half-time, with Gillespie's effort being cleared off the City goal-line.

          

THE SIGN BEHIND THE GOAL SAYS IT ALL: City fans in their pomp

City were however well on top and should have been in front before they took the lead five minutes into the second half with a delicious lob from 25 yards off the boot of Daryl Horgan.  It was a pity that there was no television at the ground, because this was a truly great goal.
           City surprisingly took the foot off the pedal thereafter but wrapped up the three points five minutes from time with a penalty from Cummins after Derek O'Brien had been fouled in the box.

City v Shelbourne: Entire season hinges on final game

           Cork City are now two points clear at the top of the table and though Shelbourne have two games in hand (but four points behind); if City win at Tolka Park on the 29th of this month, then the Rebel Army are champions and will play next season in the Airtricity League Premier Division.  After so much trauma in recent years, it is no more than City and their loyal fans deserve.