Cork City 1
Bray Wanderers 0
MARK O’SULLIVAN STRUCK for a 29th-minute goal as Cork City remained three points behind Dundalk at the top of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.
It wasn’t a game that will live long in the memory, but it did have its share of talking points as referee Jim McKell showed two red cards and awarded Bray Wanderers a late penalty, with City goalkeeper Mark McNulty denying Seagulls captain David Cassidy.
Chances were not all that common during what was at times a very dull game. City right-back John Kavanagh – who was forced off injured in the second half – did create a chance for himself only for Stephen McGuinness to save.
Bray striker David Scully had a couple of chances, with McNulty making a good save from one, but City began to get on top. On 28, O’Sullivan headed over from a Kavanagh cross before the goal.
Alan Bennett, back in the side having recovered from injury, launched a clearance which O’Sullivan headed on for Karl Sheppard. He held off Mitchell and then made space for a shot. While McGuinness saved well, O’Sullivan was following up to poke home the rebound.
Dangerous
Shortly before half-time, Colin Healy was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Hugh Douglas, and when a melee ensued, Bray’s Mitchell was also dismissed, making it 10 on 10 for the second half.
Despite the extra space, neither side made many opportunities but Bray were given a golden opportunity to level when Chris Lyons was fouled in the penalty area by Garry Buckley. Cassidy struck his shot well but man of the match McNulty made a good save. With no other chances accruing, City held on for the points.
CORK CITY: Mark McNulty; John Kavanagh (Micheál McSweeney 65), Alan Bennett, Dan Murray, Ross Gaynor; Colin Healy, Kevin O’Connor; Billy Dennehy, Garry Buckley, Karl Sheppard (Danny Morrissey 55); Mark O’Sullivan (Gavin Holohan 69).
BRAY WANDERERS: Stephen McGuinness; Hugh Douglas, Alan McNally, Adam Mitchell, Michael Barker; David Cassidy (Emeka Onwubiko 88), Graham Kelly, John Sullivan, Ryan McEvoy (Luke Gallagher 82), David Scully (Peter Durrad 58); Chris Lyons.
Referee: Jim McKell (Tipperary).
Originally published Friday, 22.04
