League Report: Cork City 1 - 0 Athlone Town

David Ribeiro's gallery from the game 

A second-half header from Charlie Lyons maintained Cork City's 100% record at the Cross. It was a game that will not live long in the memory, though. They might not be tearing sides apart, but the Rebel Army are proving to be a tough nut to crack.

It was an opportunity lost for the away side, though. Despite their goal-scoring form this season, they were oddly cautious until the dying stages. Only an excellent save at the death denied them a point.

Both managers elected to make changes from last weekend. Cathal O’Sullivan returned from being away with the under-17s to replace Niall Brookwell, going with a familiar formation that played against Kerry; 4-2-3-1.

Dario Castelo made five changes, having recovered to get a draw against Longford. He was able to welcome back Carl Mujaguzi and German Fuentes Rodriguez from international duty and Dylan Hand from suspension. Oisin Duffy and Matthew Leal also came in. Noah Van Geenan was injured, and Amardo Oakley was suspended after his red card, while Ruben Ferreira, Brian Torre, and Gideon Tetteh dropped to the bench.

The game was billed as being the top scorers against the best defence, but the game failed to live up to the billing. Enda Minogue looked anxious on an early cross that was cleared before any City attacker could take advantage of it. The Athlone netminder was busy again a few moments later when he rushed out of his goal to intercept the ball before Nathan Wood could make a meaningful touch to it.

Athlone were sitting deep and doing well to prevent any dangerous forward runs from midfield. Cork’s best route of attack was down the flanks, where the likes of Cathal O’Sullivan and Josh Fitzpatrick tried in vain to get any significant time on the ball.

A rare spell of possession just before the break almost led to the opening goal for the away side. Aaron Connolly ran onto a ball played into his path from Jamal Ibrahim to burst into the box. He shaped to shoot, but Charlie Lyons produced an excellent block to deny him.

Clancy made a tactical change at the break and introduced Cian Murphy for Nathan Wood. He had the best opportunity for the home side when Jack Doherty played the ball into his path. His touch was too heavy, though, and Minogue was able to claim it.

Cork were beginning to win a number of free kicks in dangerous situations, and one almost led to the opener. Greg Bolger swung it in from the left, and it was just flicked past the post by an Athlone defender.

Their respite was short-lived, though. Doherty played in the corner from the opposite side, and Lyons rose highest to head past Minogue. It was his first goal for the club.

The game was becoming stretched now, and both sides tried to take advantage of mistakes on the break, with Jaden Umeh proving to be a constant danger with the ball at his feet.

As the clock approached 90, Minogue went forward for a corner to try and snatch a point. It almost proved to be successful as the confusion he caused resulted in a shot from Daniel McKenna that took a deflection on the way. Brad Wade proved his worth with a superb save to tip it over the bar.

Relief rather than exhilaration was the mood at the final whistle. Cork is next on the road as they travel to Wexford on Monday at 15:00. Athlone will be taking on Treaty at home on the same day at 17:00.

Cork City: Bradley Wade; Harry Nevin, Cian Coleman, Charlie Lyons, John O'Donovan; Greg Bolger, Evan McLaughlin (Barry Coffey 61), Josh Fitzpatrick (Niall Brookwell 79), Cathal O'Sullivan (Cian Bargary 61), Jack Doherty (Jaden Umeh 79), Nathan Wood (Cian Murphy 46).
Subs not used: Daniel Moynihan, Darragh Crowley, Oran Crowe, Matthew Murray.
Booked: None
Sent off: None

Athlone Town: Enda Minogue; German Fuentes Rodriguez, Daniel McKenna, Dylan Hand, Matthew Leal (Roscoe Rubenstein 68), Jarlath Jones (Brian Torre 81), Oisin Duffy, Aaron Connolly, Jamal Ibrahim (Gideon Tetteh 57), Carl Mujaguzi (Dylan Gavin 81), Dean Ebbe.
Subs not used: Andrew Trainor, Ruben Candal, Wedu Batlokwa, Divine Izekor, Abdul Hassan Barrie.
Booked: Dylan Hand (75)
Sent off: None.

Referee: David Dunne
Attendance: 3084
extratime.com Player of the Match: Charlie Lyons