- Philip Morrissey
- Fri, Mar 01 2024
Philiip Morrissey reports from Turners Cross
Cork City maintained their unbeaten start to the season when they ran out 1-0 winners over UCD at Turners Cross on Friday night.
A first half header from Cian Coleman gave Cork City a second home win in a row. It was a far from comfortable win though as the visitors dominated for much of the game. Barry Coffey saw red late on add to Tim Clancy’s ire.
It was a sense of frustration for the away side though. After the concession just before half-time, they emerged to take charge of the game. Only desperate defending and poor finishing from their part denied them at least a share of the spoils.
Both managers elected to make changes from last weekend. Cathal O’ Sullivan who came off the bench in Finn Harps started in favour of Niall Brookwell who he replaced in that game.
Going with a similar formation that played against Kerry; 4-2-3-1. Willie O’ Connor made four changes from the side who lost at home to Bray. He was able to welcome back Alex Dunne and Eanna Clancy in defence from suspension and injury respectively. They were joined by Michael Raggett and Danu Kinsella. Making way were Harvey O’ Brien, Niall Holohan and Jake Doyle. Ronan Finn missed out altogether.
It was one of the new faces that almost found the opener within the first two minutes. John O’ Donovan was guilty of a loose pass and the forward tried his luck from outside the area. It went just wide, but it was a sign of the energy this young UCD side brought. Danu Kinsella Bishop had an effort blocked by Charlie Lyons whilst an Adam Wells cross flashed across the area.
City woke up and created the best chance of the game on the quarter hour. Harry Nevin and Evan McLaughlin combined to set Jack Doherty through one on one with Kian Moore. The keeper did well to force him wide and he was unable to add to his three goals so far.
It was developing into a half where a goal seemed unlikely. Neither side were able to find that killer touch. Plenty of endeavour and promising approach work seemed to break down as either side approached the opposition area. McLaughlin tried to break the long ball pattern with a bursting run from deep before his effort was blocked down.
Just as it seemed we were going in level, the home side went in front. It was the picture of simplicity as the captain Cian Coleman rose highest to meet a Doherty corner for his first of the season.
The away side were not to be too downhearted though as the second period begun. Neat passing between Behan and Raggett created a two-on-two situation before the eventual shot was seen out. The latter then found himself with a sight on goal but only managed to hit the side netting.
Indeed, it was only a series of blocks and poor finishing that kept the home side in front as the Dublin side cut through their midfield on a number of occasions. The energy and pace of the UCD players constantly kept the home players on the back foot.
Whatever changes were made did not seem to have the desired effect as the home side were guilty of surrendering possession far too often. The visitors won a series of free kicks in dangerous areas as they kept up the pressure. Kinsella Bishop and Behan were left cursing their luck as Wade denied both with strong reflexes.
As the clock approached 90, Coffey received a straight red for a late challenge on Behan to add to the sense of anxiety in the ground.
A win in the end but Clancy will know the side can do much better. Cork are on the road as they travel to Longford on Saturday.
UCD must try and shake off their disappointment as they welcome Wexford to Belfield on Friday, kick-off 7.45pm.
Cork City: Bradley Wade; Cian Coleman, Charlie Lyons, Harry Nevin, John O'Donovan; Barry Coffey, Evan McLaughlin, Sean Murray(Arran Healy 66), Cathal O'Sullivan (Niall Brookwell 86), Nathan Wood; (Greg Bolger 76), Jack Doherty.
Subs not used: Aidan Dowling, Oran Crowe, Conor Drinan, Matthew Murray, Josh Fitzpatrick, Jaden Umeh.
Booked: Charlie Lyons (27).
Sent off: Barry Coffey (91).
UCD: Kian Moore; Ciaran Behan, Éanna Clancy, Alex Dunne (Colin Bolton 88), Adam Wells; Seán Brennan (Matthew Alonge 76), HarryCurtis, Mikey McCullagh (Jake Doyle 83), Adam Verdon; Danú Kinsella-Bishop, Michael Raggett.
Subs not used: Dara Kavanagh, Harvey O'Brien, Niall Holohan, , Ryan McBrearty, Sam Norval.
Booked: Adam Verdon (17), Adam Wells (34).
Sent off: None.
Referee: Chris Sheehan.
Attendance: 3238
extratime.com Player of the Match: Cian Coleman
