Cork City made is a perfect 10 as they won 2-0 at Richmond Park. John Caulfield’s men needed second-half goals from Karl Sheppard, Garry Buckley and an own goal from Josh O'Hanlon as they eventually broke down a stubborn St. Patrick’s Athletic. The
Cork City made is a perfect 10 as they won 2-0 at Richmond Park. John Caulfield’s men needed second-half goals from Karl Sheppard, Garry Buckley and an own goal from Josh O'Hanlon as they eventually broke down a stubborn St. Patrick’s Athletic.
The first half was devoid of clear openings, however, Cork had marginally the better of chances. Karl Sheppard flashed a shot over on the half-hour, as the Saints frustrated Maguire, Sheppard and Dooley. The Rebels came closest when defender Ryan Delaney headed 38th minute corner off the post. The ensuing scramble was cleared.
The Saints had efforts from Kurtis Byrne and Rory Feely but neither troubled Mark McNulty. The loss of skipper Alan Bennett in the early period of the second half saw the introduction of John Dunleavy.
This didn’t upset the league leaders and they took the lead from an in-swinging Kevin O’Connor free-kick, Josh O'Hanlon appeared to get the final touch. Sean Maguire had a penalty appeal denied by referee Hennessy, which was deemed outside the area. Kevin O’Connor smacked the post with the resultant free-kick.
The Saints didn’t give up the fight, but were unable to serve Josh O’Hanlon with quality possession. Billy Dennehy, formerly of Cork City, stung the fingertips of Mark McNulty who tipped the free-kick over.
Within minutes Cork had sealed victory. Sean Maguire found the feet of Karl Sheppard and he made no mistake by having too much power for O’Malley from the edge of the area.
Garry Buckley continued his fine goalscoring run in stoppage time, lofting a shot from outside the area over O’Malley after a swift counter attack involving Shane Griffin and Maguire.
1,768 spectators were in attendance as Cork City secured another three points, St. Patrick’s Athletic are now three league outings without a win.
