St. Patrick’s Athletic – Cork City

Recap

Cork City recorded an impressive 3-1 win at Richmond Park, in a game that was packed with action from start to finish.

The game was less than half a minute old when Kieran Sadlier was taken down inside the box after an excellent run down the left. Referee Neil Doyle had no hesitation in awarding a penalty, which was dispatched by Sadlier himself to give his side an early lead.

It was an end to end affair in the opening stages, with both sides looking to attack at every opportunity. Pat’s had a good spell of possession midway through the half, but City quickly came back into it.

John Caulfield’s side were dealt a blow ten minutes before the break, when a knock forced Garry Buckley off. Cummins was next to work the keeper as he got a head to McNulty’s free kick but the net minder was equal to his effort. One minute before the break, City will feel they should have doubled their advantage as Sadlier crossed for Sheppard but he headed narrowly over amid strong appeals for a penalty for handball.

From the restart, Pat’s won a corner and Desmond struck an effort narrowly wide from just outside the box. City responded immediately, as Griffin crossed for Cummins who’s volley was tipped over the bar.

Pat’s did get back into the game on the hour mark, as a swift break down the left wing ended with Conan Byrne finding the net from close range.

With the side back level,  Cummins’ cushioned header almost found Sadlier in the box before Pat’s went down the other end and hit the crossbar through Bermingham.

City hit the front again on 71 minutes through a wonderful strike from Jimmy Keohane; the midfielder showed great feet to create space for himself before picking his spot and curling a superb effort into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Going into the final quarter of an hour, Pat’s began to push City back as they sought to level things once again, but City looked a threat on the counter with Josh O’Hanlon seeing his effort blocked and McLoughlin firing over from the resultant corner.

Right at the death, City sealed it. As Pat’s threw everything forward for a corner, the ball dropped to Sadlier who’s first time effort from the edge of his own penalty area found its way all the way to the St. Pat’s net.