- John O'Shea
- Mon, Sep 25 2017
By John O'Shea at Turner's Cross
Cork City’s Premier Division title coronation has been put on hold, after the spoils were shared with Dundalk at Turners Cross on Monday night.
It had the feel of a cup final about it from City’s perspective but the players well and truly delivering on a massive occasion, having been criticised for their recent performances and results.
Dundalk came into the game in quite the impressive form and showing glimpses of why they have been the team to beat in Ireland in recent years.
Prior to Monday’s game,Stephen Kenny’s side had won their last ten games in all competitions, scoring 35 goals and conceding just the once.
City made three changes from their Munster Derby defeat to Limerick last Friday night, with Alan Bennett, Conor McCormack and Gary Buckley coming into the starting eleven.
Dundalk made five changes to the team that beat Drogheda, with Stephen Kenny giving starts to Chris Shields, Michael Duffy, Patrick McEleney, Sean Hoare and Robbie Benson.
This had the feel of a special night from the outset with the Shed End rocking long before the kick off time.
The opening stages saw both teams set their stall out. As is the norm between the two it was a full-blooded and no-holds-barred affair.
Cork began positively and attacked the Shed End with determination from the outset, leaving Dundalk have minimal time on the ball.
The Lilywhites have been the standout side in domestic Irish football for the past few years, but Caulfield got his tactics right and City simply were not leaving their visitors play their usual brand of football.
This was a display full of guts and determination and was typical of a Caulfield City side at their peak.
Gearóid Morrissey and Conor McCormack showcased why they have been two of the top midfielders in the country this season no shortage of commitment as usual.
City took the lead in the 20th minute. The goal may have come with a touch of fortune, but it was a reward for the start they had made.
Garry Buckley’s initial effort on goal was saved and Sean Hoare’s attempted clearance went off Brian Gartland and into the back of the net.
The Rebel Army went close to doubling their lead just short of the half-hour mark, when a powerful effort from Buckley was tipped over courtesy of a brilliant save by Gary Rogers.
Jimmy Keohane had an even greater chance moments later, as he shot over with just the keeper to beat, after Stephen Dooley played a neat ball into his path.
The Lilywhites had no intention of surrendering their crown easily. They started the second half with their best spell of the match, putting on the pressure on the home side.
For the majority of those attendance, hearts were certainly in mouths when Patrick McEleney showcased why he one of the top talents in the league with a dangerous ball into the penalty area.
City failed to clear their lines on this occasion and Michael Duffy shot wide from the edge of the box.
City though had every intention of sealing the league glory tonight and they continued to play with the sheer intensity the bought to proceedings in the first half. Dooley shot just over the bar from a free kick of the left hand side.
Dundalk had other ideas and they equalized when Robbie Benson finished from close range from a Dylan Connolly cross.
That goal now means City will have to wait until they play Bohemians in Dalymount Park on October 12th to secure the title, unless Dundalk slip up away to Finn Harps in their next league game.
Cork City: Mark McNulty; Steven Beattie, Alan Bennett, Ryan Delaney , Shane Griffin; Conor McCormack, Gearoid Morrissey; Stephen Dooley, Gary Buckley, Jimmy Keohane; Karl Sheppard.
Subs not used: Greg Bolger, Achille Campion, Kieran Sadlier, Connor Ellis, Conor McCarthy, Robbie Williams.
Booked: Gearóid Morrissey(11).
Dundalk: Gary Rogers; Sean Gannon, Brian Gartland, Sean Hoare, Dane Massey(Shane Grimes, 28 ) ; Robbie Benson, Dylan Connolly, Michael Duffy( Jamie McGrath, 84), Patrick McEleney, Chris Shields(Stephen O’Donnell, 67);David McMillan.
Subs not used: Gabriel Sava , John Mountney , Conor Clifford, Thomas Stewart.
Booked: Sean Hoare (13), Dane Massey(27), Shane Grimes (66).
Referee: Robert Rogers.
Attendance: 6,983.
Extratime.ie Player of the Match: Conor McCormack (Cork City)
