Cork City beaten at Turner's Cross by St Pat's
Chris Forrester of St Patrick's Athletic shoots to score his side's first goal against Cork City at Turner's Cross. Picture: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
St Patrick’s Athletic ran out winners over Cork City at Turner’s Cross in front of an attendance of 3,815, with first-half goals from Chris Forrester and Brandon Kavanagh doing the damage on a frustrating night for the home side.
The game was an even contest but Pat's produced two moments of real quality which was the difference between the sides.
City made one enforced change to their starting 11, as Freddie Anderson came in to replace Ruairí Keating. The talismanic forward has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon in last week’s defeat to Derry City.
St Pat’s came out of the traps with real aggression, pressing high and putting City’s back-three under immediate pressure. But City stood firm, grew in composure, and were brave in playing out from the back. The wing-backs, Darragh Crowley and Bernardo Couto, were key outlets, pushing high and giving width. Couto, in particular, enjoyed plenty of space, with Zach Elbouzedi reluctant to track him, and he went close with a shot that found the side netting from a tight angle.
City’s best chance in the first half fell to Milan Mbeng, who rose highest to meet a dangerous cross but could only direct his header over the bar – he should have at least tested the goalkeeper. In the battle of the League of Ireland’s rising stars, Cathal O’Sullivan was excellent, dropping into dangerous pockets and linking play cleverly, outshining the highly-rated Mason Melia.
City went in at half-time trailing 2-0, but the scoreline was more than cruel on the home side after a first-half performance full of energy, bravery and intent. The first goal was a moment of brilliance from Chris Forrester in the 43rd minute.
Forrester’s strike was one of class. After a slick and patient build-up from the visitors, the ball was worked to the experienced midfielder on the edge of the box. He took a touch and unleashed a superb effort that crashed in off the top corner of the crossbar, leaving Teint Troost with no chance. It was a moment of pure quality from the Saints.
Just moments later, City were rocked again. This time it was Kavanagh who took aim from distance, drilling a low shot into the bottom corner. Troost got down but couldn’t keep it out, and suddenly a first half that had so much promise for City ended in devastation.
The second half saw City continue to push for a way back into the game, but despite an improved showing from centre-forward Alex Nolan – who showed more energy and willingness to press – the attacking threat remained limited. Nolan was replaced by Matthew Murray in the 68th minute, and the teenager made a strong impression, offering more movement and danger in behind during his 22-minute cameo.
City were left incensed in the 58th minute when O’Sullivan appeared to be bundled over by Forrester in the box, but referee Marc Lynch waved away strong penalty claims. It was a key moment, and one that might have sparked a turnaround had it gone the home side’s way.
Joseph Anang was called into action twice, producing good saves to deny Crowley and Couto – both wing-backs continuing to impress with their attacking intent. Despite City’s pressure, it was the visitors who came closest to a third when Jason McClelland found himself free inside the six-yard box, only to fire straight at Tein Troost.
The City keeper was called on again shortly after, making a superb diving save to tip Kavanagh’s curling free-kick around the post.
Troost; Crowley (Kiernan 75), Lyons, Mbeng, Anderson, Couto (Fitzpatrick 75); Murray, Shipston (McLaughlin 69), Nelson; O'Sullivan, Nolan (Murray 67).
Anang; Sjoberg, Hoare (Grivosti 78), Redmond, Breslin; Forrester (Baggley 90), Lennon, Kavanagh (Leavy 78); McClelland, Melia (Carty 83), Elbouzedi.
M Lynch.
App?
