- Philip Morrissey
- Sat, Jun 08 2024
It was back to winning ways for Cork City as they overcame bottom side Longford Town this evening.
A double from Conor Drinan proved to be enough to end a run of four games without a win. It was another unconvincing performance though as they struggled to gel in attack yet again.
It was more of the same for the visitors as they slumped to yet another defeat. They played well in spells but were guilty of poor lapses in concentration for both goals. They remain without a win in six games and stay behind Kerry.
Both managers elected to make changes after disappointing recent results. Tim Clancy gave 19-year-old Harvey Skieters first start ahead of Cian murphy as he sought to address the lack of goals recently.
Evan McLaughlin also returned from suspension. Harry Nevin dropped to the bench. He was joined by the returning John O’ Donovan.
Longford had an even younger player making his first team debut. Guilherme Rego Priosti replaced Shane Elworthy in the side. They were forced to name a bench of six players due to absences.
Cork City had the first shot on target in the opening minute. Cian Bargary flicked a ball over his head into the path of Jack Doherty. He got ahead of Bastien Hery to get an effort away.
It lacked the power to trouble jack Brady though. Other than that, the midfielder was generally in the right place at the right time to assist his younger colleagues.
A good buildup involving Bargary and Sean Murray created an opportunity for Conor Drinan whose effort was deflected wide. They won two more corners in succession and the last saw Charlie Lyons head over the bar.
Adeyemo had been played through on goal but timed his run too early in a rare attack for Longford. City’s attack was still spluttering into gear at the other end. Darragh Crowley was guilty of a horrible miss when he sliced wide after a save came back into his path.
The home side did not have to wait too long though. Bargary won the ball back and chipped it into the area. Conor Drinan was waiting, and he guided his header past Brady for his first of the season.
That was quickly followed by his second. Jordan Tallon turned into danger and lost possession. Drinan was left clear on goal and slotted past the stranded keeper.
After the break, Bargary had the chance to extend the lead on two occasions. Twice he was unable to keep his efforts down.
Greg Bolger almost conjured up a great goal for Doherty as he juggled the ball into his stride. The forward skipped past a few defenders before he was stopped at the last.
Despite their advantage, Cork did not look convincing in front of goal. The lack of cohesion up front was summed when City managed to be flagged offside from a direct free kick in a dangerous position.
Substitutes Cian Murphy and Malik Dijksteel tried to land the third goal but each of them shot straight at Brady.
Muted applause upon the final whistle but not much more than that. Clancy knows he needs to find the right formula to get the best from the side. Cork host neighbours Cobh on Thursday at 19:45. It’s a basement battle as Longford travel to Kerry on the same evening.
Cork City: Bradley Wade; Darragh Crowley, Cian Coleman, Charlie Lyons, Evan McLaughlin, Greg Bolger (Barry Coffey 73), Sean Murray, Conor Drinan (Malik Dijksteel 64), Jack Doherty, Cian Bargary (Josh Fitzpatrick 85), Harvey Skieters (Cian Murphy 64).
Subs not used: Aidan Dowling, Harry Nevin, John O’ Donovan, Arran Healy, Oran Crowe.
Longford Town: Jack Brady, Dean O’ Shea, Jordan Tallon, Mohammed Boudiaf, Kyle O’ Connor, Francis Campbell (Vasyl Tropanets 72), Guilhermo Rego Priosti (Callum Bonner 72), Bastien Hery (Emmanuel James 72), Conor Crowley, Karl Chambers, Jordan Adeyemo.
Subs not used: Jack McCarthy, Jack Harrington, Ryan Boyle.
Booked: Dean O’ Shea (26), Bastien Hery (35)
Referee: Daryl Carolan.
Attendance: 1820
extratime.com Player of the Match: Sean Murray (Cork City).
