- Philip Morrissey
- Mon, May 06 2024
City dropped their first points at home as they failed to overcome Wexford at Turners Cross this evening.
An early goal from Barry Coffey was not built on as the visitors levelled up before half-time. There was no way through after the break to the frustration of those in attendance.
It was a deserved point for the away side who keep up their hunt for a play-off spot. The returning Kaylem Harnett pouncing to level up for the Slaneysiders in front of the shed. They kept their shape and frustrated their hosts to come away with a share of the spoils.
Both managers elected to make four changes with three games in a week. Darragh Crowley, Cian Bargary, Niall Brookwell, and Nathan Wood all made starts for the home team.
Harry Nevin, Sean Murray, and Josh Fitzpatrick all dropped to the bench, while Greg Bolger was not involved.
The visitors brought back in Darragh Levingston, Ben Lynch, and Kaylem Harnett while Carl Lennox made his first league start. They replaced Mikie Rowe, James Crawford, Sean McHale and Luka Lovic.
It was a welcome return for the home side to Turners Cross after a number of weeks away due to pitch damage. It was somewhat of a disjointed opening as both sides were guilty of mistimed passes and changes in personnel.
The home side found themselves in front after seven minutes though. Jaden Umeh demonstrating his growing reputation by receiving a throw-in on the right side.
He burst into the penalty area, before squaring the ball to the waiting Barry Coffey. The midfielder had the simple task of sweeping the ball past Owen Mason for the opener.
Despite being behind, Wexford were still sticking with their defensive set-up. It meant there was a lack of support for Thomas Oluwa whenever they tried to clear it away.
City almost found themselves further in front. A flicked Cian Coleman header across the area just evaded any contact before Umeh put his header over the bar from a cross out wide. They began to drop off as the half went on to the chagrin
The away side were growing into the game and winning a series of corners to make the backline work. Cian O’ Malley’s throw-in was dangerous, but they were unable to get a shot away.
A good cross by Ben Lynch almost found Oluwa in the box before the latter had a shot deflected wide.
The pressure was to tell, and the away side found themselves level just before the break. The City defence were unable to get the ball clear after yet another corner.
It allowed Kaylem Harnett to turn and shoot inside a crowded penalty area and past Brad Wade. It was the first time a goal had been conceded at Turners Cross.
City came out with more of an urgency at the start of the second half. Cian Bargary was taken down on the edge of the area to allow them work a free kick routine which was blocked. Umeh then manufactured a breakaway before laying it inside to Cathal O’ Sullivan. His effort went just over.
Far too often it was a long-ball tactic employed to try and catch out Wexford. This was not working, and the game became increasingly scrappier. Chances from open play were a rarity as set pieces dominated from both sides.
Umeh put one over the bar from an O’ Sullivan cross but he struggled from a lack of support. Too often passes went sideways or back rather than finding those upfront. Not even six minutes extra could bring a winner for either side.
Frustration upon the final whistle as they lost their winning streak here. Cork make the short trip to Cobh on Friday at 19:45. Wexford have another trip to Munster as they take on Treaty.
Cork City: Bradley Wade; Cian Coleman, Darragh Crowley, Charlie Lyons, Evan McLaughlin; Cian Bargary (Josh Fitzpatrick 58), Niall Brookwell (Harvey Skieters 84), Barry Coffey, Cathal O'Sullivan; Jaden Umeh, Nathan Wood (Sean Murray 58).
Subs not used: Aidan Dowling, Conor Drinan, Oran Crowe, Arran Healy, Cian Murphy.
Booked: Darragh Crowley (86).
Wexford: Owen Mason; Ethan Boyle (Brandon McCann 63), Darragh Levingston, Benjamin Lynch, Cian O'Malley (Sean McHale 71); Mark Hanratty, Kaylem Harnett (Mikie Walsh-Rowe 59), Carl Lennox, Reece Webb; Kian Corbally, Thomas Oluwa (Aaron Dobbs 63).
Subs not used: Alex Moody, Oisin McDonagh, Cian Curtis, James Crawford, Aaron Robinson.
Booked: Brandon McCann (76).
Referee: Marc Lynch.
Attendance: 2669.
extratime.com Player of the Match: Ben Lynch (Wexford).
