Cork City’s promotion hopes took a minor dent tonight as they could only leave Fahy’s Field with just a point in a scrappy encounter against Mervue United.
Chances in the first half were few and far between, Mike Tierney coming close however after 15 minutes when his header went just wide of the post. Davin O’Neill had the best chance of the opening forty five but his shot from close range was well saved, likewise with Graham Cummins. Ger Hanley was on form for the home side and did well to keep out a long distance strike by Gearóid Morrissey just before the break.
City took the lead shortly after the restart. Greg O’Halloran punted the ball forward, and a disastrous clearance by Eric Browne resulted in the ball looping over Hanley and into his own goal. Cummins should have doubled the Leesider’s lead when he found himself one on one with Hanley after a delightful ball through from Shane Duggan. The City number nine couldn’t beat the Mervue shot-stopper and was again denied.
Mervue pushed for an equaliser, and were rewarded midway through the second half. Dan Cunningham provided the cross, and Mike Tierney was on hand to head the ball past Mark McNulty. A draw was perhaps a fair result, while Tommy Dunne’s men will be disappointed with travelling home with just a draw.
Mervue United
Starting Line-Up: Hanley; Curran, Conneely, Browne, Cunningham; Collins, Ludden, Varley, O’Brien, Tierney, Molloy.
Substitutions: Gaffney for O’Brien (56mins), Casserley for Curran (59mins).
Cork City
Starting Line-Up: McNulty; D.Murphy, O’Halloran, Kavanagh, Horgan; O’Neill, Duggan, Morrissey, Escudé-Candau; Sullivan, Cummins.
Substitutions: O’Brien for O’Neill (68mins), Kiely for Escudé-Candau (85mins).
Official Attendance: 407
Referee: P. McLaughlin (Donegal)
