FAI Cup Report: Derry City 1 - 1 Cork City

Derry and Cork will battle once again at Turner’s Cross on Monday night after a 1-1 draw at the Brandywell on Friday night. Ryan McBride’s fifth minute opener was cancelled out by a Mark O’Sullivan strike just after the half time break.

The game got off to a flying start with Derry breaking the deadlock after just five minutes. A superb corner from Patrick McEleney was met with a powerful header from returning captain Ryan McBride to give the hosts an early lead.

Following the opener, the game really fizzled out for a long spell with heavy rain making the pitch rather hard to control the ball on. A few corners from Derry never really caused any bother however after 42 minutes Cork went close to an equaliser from a promising free-kick. Billy Dennehy stepped up to take it and although his effort deceived the wall, it travelled low past the post.  

Paul McLaughlin soon sounded for the break after a pretty uneventful half in which Cork mostly dominated after Derry went ahead.

However Cork were to get the equaliser in the opening minutes of the second period. Slack passing from Derry gifted possession to Cork. The visitors pushed forward through Karl Sheppard who had an attempt on Doherty’s goal that was saved. However the rebound was to fall to Mark O’Sullivan who took a touch, set himself and fired home.

Cork, naturally, following the goal upped the pressure however Derry weathered the storm well before having a half chance just after 70 minutes. Stephen Dooley played the ball through to Patrick McEleney who advanced towards the Cork defence. He eventually had an effort with the outside of his foot at McNulty’s goal but the keeper saved well.

The game continued to see chances at a premium however Derry went close with the last opportunity of the game after 87 minutes. Patrick McEleney gathered the ball 25-yards from goal before turning and unleashing an effort at McNulty’s goal. The keeper done considerably well to keep it out as the ball seemed to take an unfortunate twist at the last second.

Derry pressed for the remaining minutes however couldn’t force a winner and now travel to Cork on Monday as the teams are set to do it all again. On the whole, a replay was probably a fair result with neither side doing enough to merit the win in an incredibly subdued game.  

Derry City: Gerard Doherty; Ben McLaughlin, Ryan McBride, Aaron Barry, Dean Jarvis; Stephen Dooley (Ryan Curran 80”), Barry McNamee, Rob Cornwall, Patrick McEleney; Mark Quigley (Cillian Morrison 65”), Mark Timlin.

Subs not used: Shaun Patton; Aaron McEneff, Josh Daniels, Patrick McClean, Ronan Curtis

Booked: None.

Cork City: Mark McNulty; Michael McSweeney, Alan Bennett, Darren Dennehy, Ross Gaynor; Karl Sheppard, Dan Murray (John Dunleavy 76), Liam Miller, Garry Buckley, Billy Dennehy, Mark O’Sullivan.

Subs not used: Gavan Holohan, John O’Flynn, Kevin O’Connor, Danny Morrissey, Alan Smith, Liam Kearney.

Booked: Murray (18), Dennehy (34), Miller (46).

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

Attendance: 1,400 (estimate)

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Patrick McEleney (Derry City).