St. Patrick's Athletic secured a dream start to Harry Kenny's reign tonight with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Cork City in the opening game of the 2019 Premier Division season. Ireland manager Mick McCarthy was among the 3,479-strong Richmond Park cr
St. Patrick's Athletic secured a dream start to Harry Kenny's reign tonight with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Cork City in the opening game of the 2019 Premier Division season.
Ireland manager Mick McCarthy was among the 3,479-strong Richmond Park crowd as both sides exchanged early chances in the first half.
In the 14th minute, new Cork signing Dan Casey bravely blocked a volley from Saints' Ian Bermingham before Brendan Clarke brilliantly stretched to save a header from Gary Buckey at the other end.
On the half hour, Pats were awarded a penalty after a Seán MacLoughlin foul on Conor Clifford. New signing Mikey Drennan confidently stepped up to break the deadlock and put Pats 1-0 ahead.
There was a feisty start to the second half with Cork's Conor McCormack and Pats' Kevin Toner both earning bookings for fouls. The pair joined Clifford in the book after his first half yellow card.
With 20 minutes remaining, a Casey error almost put Drennan through but Cork 'keeper Mark McNulty cleared up the danger. Minutes later, a promising Cork counter attack ended with impressive debutant Daire O'Connor firing over the bar.
The Rebels continued to knock on the door as Conor McCathy came close with a dipping volley which Clarke manager to tip over. On 86 minutes, Pats defender Simon Madden shot from distance, but McNulty was able to turn the ball away.
In the end, Harry Kenny's men managed to hold on after six minutes of added time. Three points secured and promising performance. Just what the vociferous Inchicore crowd were looking for at the start of the season.
