St. Patrick’s Athletic – Cork City

Recap

Cork City made it a winning start to the defence of their league title, as they defeated St. Pat’s 3-2 at Richmond Park tonight.

Despite the home side having most of the ball in the opening stages, they found themselves two nil down with just over ten minutes on the clock. John Caulfield’s side took the lead just a couple of minutes in when, with their first attack, Cummins crossed for McNamee who found the net with a precise finish.

They doubled their lead on 11, as Sheppard flicked the ball on and Cummins blasted a volley to the back of the net.

Pat’s had enjoyed the majority of possession but found themselves two behind and it looked like they had a mountain to climb, but their chances were boosted just before the half hour when Graham Cummins was deemed to have used an elbow in an aerial challenge was shown a red card.

The home side took advantage of their numerical advantage within ten minutes, when Bermingham fired home from a corner. Despite heavy Pat’s pressure, City managed to maintain their lead going into the interval.

Within a minute of the restart, however, the home side were level, as Conan Byrne took advantage of a poor clearance to get Pat’s second. Back level and with a man advantage, the home side sought to turn the screw on City but, despite heavy pressure, Caulfield’s men put their bodies on the line and blocked everything the Saints threw at them.

Clarke and Turner both had half chances just after the hour but, as the half wore on, City began to gain a foothold in the game. They began to pose a threat on the counter attack, winning a couple of corners in relatively quick succession.

With nine minutes to go, another City corner would prove decisive, as Sadlier’s dead ball delivery evaded everyone and found the net to put City 3-2 ahead.

Pat’s continued to press, seeking to draw level again, but City showed character and resolve to hold firm and claim an impressive three points.

Next up, City face Waterford at Turner’s Cross on Friday next.  For ticket information, see here.

Stay tuned to our Sound Cloud channel for reaction from players and management. 

Referee: Robert Harvey.

Attendance: 2,771.