Caulfield praise as Cork cruise past holders Pats

Cork City manager John Caulfield has praised his squad for continuing their “winning habit” as they progressed to the semi-final of the EA Sports Cup after defeating St. Patrick's Athletic at Turner’s Cross on Monday afternoon.

The City boss made eight changes to the side that defeated Bray Wanderers in the league on Friday night but goals from Connor Ellis and Stephen Dooley ensured the Leesiders notched their fourteenth consecutive victory in all competitions so far this season.

And speaking to reporters shortly after full time, Caulfield was quick to hail his players but hinted he may not make so many changes in the semi-finals in August as he now looks to secure more silverware.

“I’m delighted with the win and I’m delighted to be in the semi-final, it’s a good habit it’s certainly better to win that it is to lose,” joked the former Cork City forward.

“The main thing for us is that we’re in the semi-final, it would be great to get another home game but it at least means its gives guy’s games as well.

“But it’s great, it’s all about winning, winning is a habit.

“There’s a great bond and a spirit amongst the team even the guys that weren’t playing, a lot of the first team lads who played on Friday weren’t playing but they were telling the lads make sure you win and you need that, overall I think we deserved to win the game.

“That’s something (stronger team for semis) we will deal with closer to the time, that’s a long, long way away yet.

“You have the league at the moment, you still have Europe after the break so we will deal with that when we get to that stage but obviously when you’re that close to a final you want to get to the final of course.

“I always think the league cup is one of those where you treat the early rounds as game time for players.

“But when you are close to the final its trophy that, if you have a chance of winning, you go a bit stronger.”