Joseph Olowu helped Cork City keep a clean sheet against Finn Harps for their first win of the season on Friday, earning praise from the fans.
Cork City had a tough start to their new campaign this month, after signing Olowu on loan from Arsenal. They lost narrowly and late to Shelbourne, before suffering further defeats to top-two sides Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk.
They faced Finn Harps on Friday, who had won and drawn their first two games. Olowu started at centre-back for the home side, helping them to keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 win. The three points lift them off the bottom of the table and get their season going.
The fans really enjoyed Olowu’s performance, in particular, taking to Twitter to share their gratitude:
Outstanding no words to describe you other than king 👑
— Joker poker Marsh (@benmarsh1207) February 28, 2020
Still baffled how Fenn managed to get @JOlowu_27 off Arsenal monster of a centre halve, even if it’s only a loan cracking bit of business
— Michael Walsh (@MichaelWalsh_21) February 28, 2020
This man @JOlowu_27 What a man #CCFC84 💚♥️
— Købe (@1FCKobe) February 28, 2020
A clean sheet and 3points for @CorkCityFC with @JOlowu_27 dominant at the heart of defence – Great Distribution and Positional Awareness and Definitely not scared of a challenge or getting mud on his shorts 💪👏⚽️ #CCFC84 #TheGreatestLeagueInTheWorld pic.twitter.com/9BHhoLMMZn
— Donal McGrath (@thebigfeen) February 28, 2020
What a performance by yourself, You totally get the club already, Absolute top man 👑
— Ev (@evanlfccfc) February 29, 2020
A few fans even met up with the Arsenal youth defender after the game:
Captain. Leader. Legend. @JOlowu_27 #CCFC84 pic.twitter.com/oMohb5shxN
— Colm Cuddihy (@ColmCuddihy) February 28, 2020
@JOlowu_27 I love you pic.twitter.com/KfQSGZlFKx
— Craig Corcoran (@CraigCorcoran10) February 29, 2020
Olowu post-match reaction
Speaking to Irish Football Fan TV after the game, Olowu discussed the performance. Obviously coming off a couple of disappointing defeats, albeit against strong opposition, the centre-back was clearly happy to get back on track.
“Fantastic,” Olowu responded when asked for his reaction. “First half, didn’t really start off too well, but we dug in. Got fortunate with the disallowed goal and then went in 0-0 at half time.
“We just had to buckle up, had to get ourselves together, encourage each other and get ready for the second half. We came out fighting in the second half and I think it showed in the result.”