- John O'Shea
- Tue, Sep 01 2015
Cork City have given their chances of playing European football next season a major boost, following another confidence boosting victory over St Patrick's Athletic on Monday night at Turners Cross.
This was the second meeting between the sides in 11 days, following the Dublin side's exit at the hands of City.
Cork came into this game without the services of Liam Miller, Steven Beattie and Dan Murray, with Kevin O'Connor, and the Tralee brothers of Billy and Darren Dennehy coming into the starting eleven.
Liam Buckley knew heading into the game he would be without Chris Forrester, who joined League One side Peterbourough United over the weekend. Pats made three changes from the side that faced Derry City, with Jason McGuinness, Shane McEleney and Jamie McGrath drafted in Sean Hoare, Greg Bolger and Aaron Greene.
The game was wide open in the early exchanges, with both sides showing their attacking intent. Kevin O'Connor saw his header saved by Brendan Clarke, while Morgan Langley headed wide from a corner for the Saints.
City took the lead in the 23rd minute as a Billy Dennehy cross, following a goalmouth scramble, was guided home from close range by a touch from Alan Bennett.
O'Connor has been a real livewire in the City attack and he has really strengthened the side. His pace and his fantastic ability with the ball at his feet have been a joy to watch for City fans.
And it was indeed the former Waterford United man who would double Cork's lead, after a nice finish past Clarke in the Pats goal, following some fantastic work from Mark O'Sullivan to beat the Pats defenders in the box and set him up.
Pat's looked stunned at the back by what the Leesider's did to them in a six minute spell. They had a good chance before the break, but Ian Bermingham's deflected effort went just wide. But overall, John Caulfield's side were well worth their two goal lead at this stage.
Into the second half and Pats came out desperate for a route back into the contest. Cork goalkeeper Mark McNulty made a fine save with his legs to deny Byrne.
Despite the threat which was being posed by the visitors, it was Cork who would go 3-0 up in the 61st minute. It was Darren Dennehy who would find the target, heading in from Gary Buckley's corner.
Pats would get a goal back after 65 minutes, as Morgan Langley headed home from a cross by Ger O'Brian.
City would react positively though to conceding and they went close through headed efforts from Buckley and O'Sullivan.
The hosts were professional and determined enough to see out the remainder of the game without their defence being severely tested by the Saints.
This victory moves Cork City within five points of league leaders and current champions Dundalk. They may require favours from elsewhere to keep their title hopes alive, but based on current form , City have shown that they are more than focused on the challenge at hand.
Cork City: Mark Mc Nulty; Michael McSweeney, Alan Bennett, Darren Dennehy, Ross Gaynor; Kevin O’Connor (Cian Coleman 90), Colin Healy (Liam Kearney 45), Garry Buckley; Billy Dennehy (John O’Flynn, 81), Karl Sheppard, Mark O’Sullivan.
Subs Not Used: Alan Smith (gk), Danny Morrissey, Craig Donnellan, Chiedozie Ogbene.
Bookings: Michael McSweeney (51), Kevin O'Connor (62), Ross Gaynor (71).
St Patrick’s Athletic: Brendan Clarke; Ger O’Brian , Jason McGuinness ,Lee Desmond, Ian Bermingham ; James Chambers , Sam Verdon (Darragh Markey , 72 ) , Shane McEleney(Greg Bolger, 40 ); Conan Byrne, Morgan Langley, Jamie McGrath.
Subs Not Used: Conor O’Malley (gk), Sean Hoare, Kenny Browne, Paul Rooney, Jack Bayly.
Bookings: Conan Byrne (32).
Referee: Neil Doyle.
Attendance: 2,017.
ExtraTime.ie Man of the Match: Kevin O'Connor (Cork City).
