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Cork City captain Alan Bennett celebrates scoring a goal. Morgan Treacy/INPHO
Winning

Cork overcome Pat's to increase pressure on Dundalk

The victory saw John Caulfield’s side move within five points of Premier Division leaders.

Cork City 3

St Patrick’s Athletic 1

CORK MOVED TO within five points of Premier Division leaders Dundalk — albeit with a game more played — after they proved too strong for St Patrick’s Athletic at Turner’s Cross tonight.

Leading 2-0 at half-time, John Caulfield’s side moved further ahead in the second half before Morgan Langley pulled one back for the visitors, who had surrendered their FAI Cup crown at the same venue 10 days previously.

Despite being without the injured Liam Miller and suspended pair Dan Murray and Steven Beattie, City got to the pitch of the game early and Mark O’Sullivan drew a save from Brendan Clarke inside the first minute. Garry Buckley twice tested the goalkeeper while Kevin O’Connor had a header well kept out, but the Pat’s resistance broke in the 22nd minute.

After a City corner, the ball was played back out to Billy Dennehy on the wing and, when Clarke couldn’t claim his delivery, captain Alan Bennett was on hand to convert from close range.

The second goal arrived six minutes later, when Mark O’Sulliven received a throw from Michael McSweeney on the right and worked his way in towards goal. While he might have shot himself, he elected to leave the opportunity to O’Connor, who blasted home for his first goal for the club.

Ian Bermingham and James Chambers did have half-chances for Pat’s before the break without ever really threatening to score, but they should have had a goal upon the restart as Jamie McGrath’s shot was stopped from going in by his team-mate Lee Desmond.

On 59, City were three to the good as Darren Dennehy, back from injury, headed a Garry Buckley corner in at the far post, but Langley did give Pat’s some hope when he made the most of Ger O’Brien’s cross in the 65th mintute.

CORK CITY: Mark McNulty; Michael McSweeney, Dan Murray, Darren Dennehy, Ross Gaynor; Colin Healy (Liam Kearney half-time), Kevin O’Connor (Cian Coleman 90); Billy Dennehy (John O’Flynn 82), Garry Buckley, Karl Sheppard; Mark O’Sullivan.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC: Brendan Clarke; Ger O’Brien, Jason McGuinness, Lee Desmond, Ian Bermingham; Conan Byrne; James Chambers, Shane McEleney (Greg Bolger 42), Sam Verdon (Darragh Markey 75), Morgan Langley; Jamie McGrath.

Referee: Neil Doyle (Dublin).

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