Drogheda United 1
Cork City 1
KEITH TREACY SCORED his second goal in three matches for Drogheda United as they boosted their survival hopes with a hard-fought draw with Cork City at United Park.
The draw would have kept Cork in the hunt for the most improbable title-race comeback, but Richie Towell’s late strike for Dundalk in Tallaght ensured there was no way back for the Leesiders.
Without their influential midfielder Sean Thornton through suspension, Mark Kinsella’s struggling Drogheda managed to get themselves in front after just eight minutes. But, they were the benefactors of some laughable stuff from the Cork defence.
Mark McNulty dallied on a pass back from Dan Murray. With Treacy in close proximity, the goalkeeper’s clearance was blocked by the former Republic of Ireland international and the ball ricocheted into the net. It was the most uncharacteristic error from the league’s best defence.
But the visitors were back on level terms inside three minutes. Gavan Holohan’s cross was expertly flicked beyond Micheal Schlingermann by Karl Sheppard. The striker did well to beat the offside trap, with the home defence appearing to push out in unison.
After that, Darren Dennehy and Sheppard went close for Cork while Drogheda’s best chances fell to Mick Daly and Robert Bayly. In truth, the final 80 minutes wasn’t particularly memorable.
The Rebel Army will want to forget this night. For United, the point could prove invaluable in securing their top-flight status.
Drogheda United: Micheal Schlingermann, Lloyd Buckley, Alan Byrne, Robert O’Reilly, Joe Gorman, Mark Hughes, Mick Daly, Robert Bayly, Adam Whelan (Tiernan Mulvenna, 76), Keith Treacy (Bob McKenna, 84), Ger Pender (Lee Duffy, 46).
Cork City: Mark McNulty, Michael McSweeney, Dan Murray, Darren Dennehy, Kevin O’Connor, Steven Beattie, Garry Buckley, Liam Miller, Gavan Holohan (John Dunleavy, 87), Ross Gaynor (Billy Dennehy, 69), Karl Sheppard (John O’Flynn, 68).
Referee: Ray Matthews
Something daycent to watch of a Wednesday evening. Mon the Cats.
Kk are flying, some very nice hurlers. I think all this team needed was confidence.
Game over already and only 22 minutes gone.
Where they get that C&€t of a ref!
Kilkenny – 3 at evens aghhhhh.Let the good times roll baby!!