Cork City 0-0 Sligo Rovers

Turners Cross closed its gates to the Eircom League for another year tonight as Cork City and Sligo Rovers played out an awful 0-0 draw. As the rain fell incesssantly for the entire 90 minutes, the 2,464 supporters didn't get to see much of a spectacle.

In a dour first half, chances were few and far between. Liam Kearney shot over after good work by Darren Murphy with only a minute gone. Shortly afterwards, Denis Behan shot over from the edge of the area. While, Romauld Boco had Sligo's first chance with 10 minutes on the clock but he shot wide.

Referee, Steven McLean, came in for some crticism from both sets of supporters when the home sides Dan Murray and Seán Doherty were booked in the space of a minute for the most pedantic of reasons. Doherty's caution was amazingly for taking a quick free-kick. The retake was taken by Richie Ryan but he fired over.

Cork spurned another couple of half chances with Darragh Ryan and Denis Behan shooting over in the 16th and 18th minute respectively. Sligo also had a decent chance in take the lead on the half-hour mark when Seán Doherty's cross was headed over by defender, Gavin Peers.

Six minutes later, Mc Lean was in the spotlight again.The Scottish referee, who is currently on an exchange in Ireland waved play on when the away side had strong claims for a penalty in the 37th minute. Seamus Colman went down after a challenge by Dan Murray but Mc Lean let the play continue.

The second half begun in the same manner as the first with both teams playing in a typical end of season fashion. Liam Kearney crossed the ball goalwards 5 minutes after the restart but goalkeeper Richard Brush turned it around the post for a corner which didn't threaten whatsoever.

Pat Sullivan was booked for a foul that seemed like a free-out with an hour on the clock while Boco was lucky to be given only a booking after a dangerous challenge on Danny Murphy two minutes later.

Sligo had another good chance in the 65th minute when Mauro Almeida headed over after Coleman crossed the ball in from the right hand side. Boco shot over two minutes later after he cut in from the left wing. While in an almost carbon-copy move, Seán Doherty also shot over in the 73rd minute.

Darren Murphy had City's only chance of note in the second half when his shot was driven straight at Richard Brush in a rare moment of attacking play from the home side. Not long after, Murphy was left with a nasty gash to his head after his diving effort met with the boot of Gavin Peers as well as the ball.

Rafael Cretaro had the chance of the game wil seven minutes remaining but his effort was saved by the feet of Mark Mc Nulty.

It ended like that and fourth spot won't be decided until the last game of the season as Cork, who are ahead of Sligo by a single point, will travel to champions Bohemians. While the bit o'red will finish their campaign at home to 6th place Bray Wanderers.

Cork City: Mark Mc Nulty; Neal Horgan, Dan Murray, Pat Sullivan, Danny Murphy; Alan O'Connor (Cillian Lordan 57), Darren Murphy (Gareth Cambridge 77), Liam Kearney, Darragh Ryan; Denis Behan, Lawrie Dudfield (Timmy Kiely 70).
Subs not used: Michael Devine, Seán Kelly.

Sligo Rovers: Richard Brush; Seamus Colman, Gavin Peers, Mauro Almeida, Danny Ventre; Brian Cash, Conor O'Grady, Richie Ryan, Sean Doherty; Romauld Boco, Rafael Cretaro.
Subs: Pat Jennings, David Mc Daid, Paul McTiernan, Gary Curran, Stephen Feeney.

Referee: Steven McLean (Scotland).

Attendance: 2,464

ExtraTime.ie Man of the Match: The fans deserve this award for having to watch a game that failed to ignite at all.