For the last three seasons, Cork City have been grasping at a top shelf that was just just beyond them.
But the early signs this season are that they've grown a vital few inches which can see them finally topple Dundalk.
It's now six wins out of six for the Leesiders, and a six point lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, after a 2-1 win against their biggest rivals Dundalk.
And crucially, it looks like John Caulfield's side know exactly what it takes to beat the three-in-a-row champions. Today's result is the sixth time out of seven that they've beaten the Lilywhites.
For the first time this season Sean Maguire failed to find the back of the net, but was key to both of Karl Sheppard's goals for Cork. The first saw him break down the left before pulling back for his fellow striker to score. The second assist was pure magic, curling a blind pass down the middle of the pitch, Sheppard cutting inside to round Gary Rogers and double the lead.
David McMillan pulled one back for Dundalk, but their task grew greater with five minutes left when Ciaran Kilduff was red carded for a second bookable offence. Stephen Kenny's side still provided the packed Turner's Cross crowd with a nervy final few minutes, but Cork held out to maintain their excellent 100 percent start to the season.
🎥 Wonderful support today #CCFC84 pic.twitter.com/XpbcaDWyLB
— Cork City FC (@CorkCityFC) March 25, 2017
