Cork City v Genk: Moments that mattered
Cork City’s positive start is crushed when Genk counter-attack from deep and grab a priceless away goal. Leon Bailey gets in behind the hosts’ defence and his low cross is met by a first-time Thomas Buffel effort that flies past Mark McNulty into the roof of the net. It’s a clinical finish that leaves Cork City requiring three goals to progress.
Leon Bailey is proving a handful and twice goes close to doubling his side’s advantage. The winger angles a shot wide of the upright before squandering an even better opportunity, shooting straight at Mark McNulty. City’s Kenny Browne wastes a decent chance by firing over the crossbar at the opposite end.
Poor marking from a set-piece proves disastrous for Cork City as Alejandro Pozuelo’s corner is met by a firm Sebastian Dewaest header to make it 2-0 on the night. A goal-bound Gearoid Morrissey shot ricochets off Sean Maguire and wide of the target to conclude a disappointing half for the hosts.
City’s much improved second half display is rewarded with a goal shortly after the hour mark when Alan Bennett rises highest to head in a Kevin O’Connor free-kick. The Belgians response is swift with Leandro Trossard embarking on a mazy dribble that requires a McNulty stop to prevent another Genk goal.
Roared on by their vociferous home supporters, Cork City go down fighting with Mark O’Sullivan forcing Genk net-minder Marco Bizot into a terrific save. Neeskens Kebano rattles Cork’s crossbar from a penalty deep into injury time but Genk are full value for their 3-1 aggregate victory.
