Cork City 4
St Patrick’s Athletic 0
Cork City put a bad week in the league behind them as Garry Buckley netted twice to send them into the fourth round of the FAI Cup at Turner’s Cross tonight.
While St Patrick’s Athletic arguably had the better goal chances in a goalless first half, goals in the 48th and 52nd minutes from Buckley and Mark O’Sullivan respectively put City firmly in control and they were never likely to let their visitors back into the game.
Following losses to Limerick and Shamrock Rovers in their previous two Premier Division games, City needed a spark and started well in the first half, with O’Sullivan having a goal ruled out for offside while Sheppard drew a good save from Brendan Clarke.
Pat’s began to get on top though and Conan Byrne, Aaron Greene and James Chambers all had chances cleared off the line, with Alan Bennett and Dan Murray saving City.
It remained scoreless at half-time, though, and City roared into life in the second half.
After sub John Kavanagh won a free kick on the right, Ross Gaynor’s delivery hit Aaron Greene and then the post, allowing Buckley to prod home.
O’Sullivan doubled the lead soon after when he dispossessed Brennan and lashed a superb shot past Clarke from 25 yards and, after the hour mark it was three, Buckley again on hand after Clarke saved from Gaynor.
Forrester and Chambers did have chances as Pat’s sought a way back, but the fourth goal of the game also went City’s way, Billy Dennehy – on for his first game since July 2 after Kavanagh had to go off – converted from close range after Sheppard had instigated breakaway.
CORK CITY: Mark McNulty; Michael McSweeney, Alan Bennett, Dan Murray, Ross Gaynor; Colin Healy, Liam Miller; Karl Sheppard, Garry Buckley, Kevin O’Connor (John Kavanagh half-time (Billy Dennehy 70)); Mark O’Sullivan (Liam Kearney 76).
ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC: Brendan Clarke; Ger O’Brien, Jason McGuinness, Lee Desmond, Ian Bermingham; Greg Bolger, Killian Brennan (Jamie McGrath 55); Conan Byrne (Seán Hoare 66), James Chambers, Chris Forrester; Aaron Greene (Morgan Langley 84).
Referee: Paul McLaughlin (Monaghan)
Irish Daily Mail FAI Senior Cup Third Round Results
Sheriff YC 2 Athlone Town 2
Bohemians 0 Bray Wanderers 1
Derry City 3 Drogheda United 0
Galway United 1 Dundalk 4
Tolka Rovers 0 Killester United 4
I reckon they’ll put him in the 23 shirt. He hasn’t played a game in 5 months and this is a must win game. Henshaw and Osborne have been solid so far already this season.
It’s harsh on Osborne but I’d start Ringrose, he’s World Class, but would put Osborne on the bench, meaning no 6-2 so Connors misses out.
Interesting selection call, Leo might go 5/3 to fit him on the bench . Would be a big ask to start him after 5 months of no game time
@Owen ODonoghue: Big risk indeed, but I think worth it, our attack and defence without GR hasn’t been at the same level – RH and JO are really 12s who can fill in at 13 (thought RH was actually a brilliant 13 up until the last 6 months when he’s played there regularly and has only been ok)
@Andrew Slazenger: And by ok I mean in the specific roles a 13 has, shutting the door on outside channel, calling the rush, biting in or not and then striking into outside space in attack, knowing when to take on the space or distribute etc etc as a rugby player RH has been excellent though
@Andrew Slazenger: I get your point! Robbie’s recent journey, since his return from injury, has been impacted in Green by Bundee’s stellar 2023 and Garry’s absence in Blue. The fact that he has been doing a brilliant job at 13 is in part a reflection of the lack of competition there and the surfeit of talent at 12. Robbie is still the best 12 on the island and makes most impact on games when he plays there.
@John Morris: bundee best 12 in world
@Owen ODonoghue: still go 6/ 2. Garry and Robbie. Frawley and foley cover the whole backline.
@chris mcdonnell: Hmm, could be interesting. Foley is having a great season.
@chris mcdonnell: based on McBrydes update it looks very likely a 6/2 with Frawley and McGrath as backs cover
@Gary Galligan: yep and we have 3 other excellent centres with Ringrose, Henshaw and McCloskey
Our depth is crazy too with Osborne, Forde, Gavin coming through and the likes of Frawley, Crowley and JOB all able to play there. Its like Irelands backrow depth now
@Owen ODonoghue: 100 pc. Pity about loose head props
@Owen ODonoghue: mcgrath is not a better option than foley. JgP is playing the full game barring injury so why not have a player who can play more than one position
@chris mcdonnell: i agree with you, Leo does not tho!
They said ringrose available last week to let’s see if he gets named on the team v bulls
Seeing lots of chatter on here about 5-3 vs 6-2 and how that affects Ringrose. I think he’s a naturally very fit guy but would a big ask to play at the high altitude with no game time in 5 months? My initial thoughts are go 6-2, well because it’s a Springbok team, but you can’t hardly start Ringrose can you so he’d miss out? But because it’s such a physical toll playing that high up will we need 3 back subs as guys are likely to be absolutely gassed. In any case – Leinster have badly missed Ringrose in both attack and D.
I think Osbourne & Ringrose will start as centres. The bench is likely to be 5-3 unless Foley surpasses McGrath as scrumhalf back-up & emergency wing cover.
@D Farrell: u dropping Robbie ?? Lol