Despite a brave performance and victory on the road in Luxembourg, Cork City bowed out of the Europa League last night losing 3-2 on aggregate to Progres Niederkorn.
After an ideal start with a goal from Garry Buckley inside three minutes the Rebels got back to parity with the part-timers but, in the end, they just came up short.
John Cotter’s young team overturned a two-goal deficit from the first leg at Turner’s Cross as they kept their Europa League dream alive until the final whistle at the Stade Municipal de Differdange.
Buckley’s first time volley in the opening minutes flew high into the roof of the net from Karl Sheppard’s knock down to give the Leesiders hope.
Buckley had a free deflected wide in City’s next attack before Sebastian Thill’s effort was straight at Mark McNulty.
Progres ‘keeper Sebastian Flauss denied Joel Coustrain a goal on 27 minutes with Sheppard driving the loose ball wide as Cork sought parity.
Sheppard curled another cross just over before Daire O’Connor had a low shot saved as the first 45 ended.
But in the first minute of the second half Cork drew level at 2-2 on aggregate when O’Connor’s deep cross was met by Conor McCarthy and his header ended up in the net via the far upright.
The home side clinched a 3-2 aggregate win when super sub Issa Bah netted with his first touch after 68 minutes.
Substitute Kevin O’Connor clipped an added time free kick just over as the Leesiders bowed out of the competition.
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