Cork City have been narrowly beaten 1-0 by Belgian side Genk in the first leg of their Europa League qualifying clash.

John Caulfield's side put in a gritty display in Belgium but a first half goal from Jamaican forward Leon Bailey saw Cork lose by a tight margin.

Bailey received the ball on the left side of the box before powering a shot past Mark McNulty on 31 minutes.

Cork City had their chances with the lively Sean Maguire just firing over a near post chance and the same player dragging a shot just wide on the run.

The return leg will be on August 4th at Turner's Cross.