In teeming rain at the U.C.D. Bowl, a dreadful late mistake by veteran City custodian Mark McNulty and an even later penalty conversion by skipper Gary O’Neill earned the Students all three points against an unimpressive Cork City. Playing in a bri
In teeming rain at the U.C.D. Bowl, a dreadful late mistake by veteran City custodian Mark McNulty and an even later penalty conversion by skipper Gary O’Neill earned the Students all three points against an unimpressive Cork City.
Playing in a bright gold strip, City dominated possession in the opening half, with the assistance of the elements on a cool and blustery night. However, the struggling 2017 double champions were restricted to mostly speculative efforts and half chances, which were either off target or capably dealt with by U.C.D. keeper Conor Kearns.
City did take the lead in the 35th minute. A probing run down the left by Shane Griffin and a deep cross forced a right wing corner. Griffin flighted the kick across the six yard box and Sean McLoughlin got the vital touch to net the opener past Kearns.
The Students went close twice immediately before half-time with keeping out headed attempts by Josh Collins and Neil Farrugia. Farrugia probably should have scored with fifteen minutes left when he headed a Gary O’Neill left wing cross.
Garry Comerford was dismissed on a straight red shortly afterwards for a foul on Farrugia in midfield. That seemed to spark the home side into action. First, Daniel Tobin crossed from the right in the 85th minute.
Conor Davis cleverly headed down to Yoyo Mahdy. McNulty appeared to have Mahdy's half volley in his grasp but it slipped through and into the net. Deep into stoppage time, Mahdy was tripped in the area.
Gary O’Neill stepped up to send McNulty the wrong way and the Bowl into raptures. City’s skipper for the night Garry Buckley did have two shots on target in the second half but City struggled to create.
