League Report: UCD 0 - 0 Cork City

Andrew Dempsey reports from the UCD Bowl

UCD drew their third game in a row as Cork City moved four points clear at the top of the First Division. 

City were distinctly average against the Students but managed to stretch their lead at the summit over second-placed Finn Harps. 

While the Leesiders drew, Harps were beaten 1-0 away to Athlone Town.

Seeking a win to keep their First Division title hopes alive, the Students made three changes from their draw against Finn Harps last weekend. 

Mikey McCullagh, Luke O’Regan and Harvey O’Brien agave dropped out in place of Donal Higgins, Niall Holohan and Colin Bolton. 

But City remained unchanged from their Cork derby win over Cobh Ramblers on the same night. 

And while the game was slightly delayed due to a protest involving match officials, the Leesiders wasted no time in setting out their stall. 

Tim Clancy’s side bossed the early exchanges with teenager Cathal O’Sullivan impressing. 

But their only real sight of goal came from former Derry City midfielder Evan McLaughlin as the youngster curled a speculative effort just over the bar. 

The hosts took their time to settle but soon did. 

Ciaran Behan’s free-kick on the quarter of the hour was their first effort on goal, but they had a great chance to score midway through the first half. 

Behan’s corner-kick found Mikey Raggett at the back post. And the striker sent the set-piece back into the danger area to find Harry Curtis. 

But Curtis could only head over the bar despite finding himself unmarked in the six-yard box. 

The Students were enjoying themselves during this purple patch with Sean Brennan beginning to put his stamp on things. 

And the former Southampton midfielder had a shot of his own moments after Curtis’ big chance, but he got too much on his effort as City keeper Bradley Wade watched the ball fly over his bar. 

Although, the game was rather scrappy at that point - which was highlighted by O’Sullivan only being able to shoot over the bar from a Cian Bargary cross into the penalty area.

Jack Doherty then had a shot blocked by Niall Holohan on the edge of the penalty area as the sides were scoreless at the break. 

The Leesiders emerged unchanged from the break and once again took their time to get going, but they still forced Students netminder Kian Moore into a smart save on the hour. 

But UCD responded with an effort of their own moments later as Jake Doyle did well to dispossess Greg Bolger on the left flank before finding Brennan free in midfield. 

Brennan, however, skewed his long-range hit well over the bar. 

The Students struggled to create after that and were perhaps lucky to avoid defeat late on when Jaden Umeh shot a curling effort straight at Moore with three minutes of normal time to play. 

City peppered the Students goal as the full-time whistle approached but not sufficiently to break the deadlock. 

UCD:Kian Moore; Harry Curtis (Danú Kinsella-Bishop 67), Alex Dunne, Niall Holohan, Adam Wells; Colin Bolton (Luke O'Regan 67), Seán Brennan, Donal Higgins (Adam Verdon 89); Ciaran Behan, Jake Doyle, Michael Raggett (Hugh Parker 82).

Subs not used: Dara Kavanagh, Daniel McCarthy, Ryan McBrearty, Sam Norval.

Booked:Seán Brennan (12).

Cork City:Bradley Wade; Cian Coleman, Charlie Lyons, Evan McLaughlin, Harry Nevin; Greg Bolger, Barry Coffey (Josh Fitzpatrick 79), Cathal O'Sullivan (Nathan Wood 62); Cian Bargary (Jaden Umeh 62), Jack Doherty (Sean Murray 67), Cian Murphy.

Subs not used:Aidan Dowling, John O'Donovan, Darragh Crowley, Niall Brookwell, Oran Crowe.

Booked:Harry Nevin (90).

Referee:Ray Matthews.

Attendance:372.

extratime.com Player of the Match: Sean Brennan (UCD).