Derry City 0-1 Cork City

Lawrie Dudfield (left) is challenged by Derry's Clive Delaney

Cork City ended Derry City's treble ambitions by claiming a 1-0 victory in Tuesday's Setanta Cup semi-final.

After a scrappy first half, Timmy Kiely headed Cork's winner on 68 minutes.

Derry had a strong penalty claim turned down on 77 minutes after Mark Farren appeared to be bundled over in the box by Cork goalkeeper Mark McNulty.

Farren had a close-range chance blocked as Derry produced late pressure but Cork held on to claim a place in the final against Glentoran on 1 November.

Derry struggled to find fluency throughout the contest as they slipped to their second successive defeat after Friday's league reverse against Bray.

The Candystripes forced a succession of early corners as they started brightly but despite a lot of endeavour by the home side, they didn't produce a decent chance in the opening period.

Danny Murphy went close for Cork on 32 minutes and Joe Gamble then wasted the best first-half chance when he pulled a snapshot wide.

The game became bogged down in a midfield battle in the third quarter although Farren had a half-chance blocked in the 61st minute.

Cork's winner came seven minutes later after impressive centre-back Dan Murray charged down the left wing and produced a pinpoint cross which Kiely powered past Gerard Doherty.

Derry did look decidedly unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty by referee David Malcolm on 77 minutes after keeper McNulty appeared to foul Farren.

Farren had a late chance as Derry pressed in the closing minutes but he delayed his shot and Danny Murphy got back to make a vital block.