Behan grabs late equaliser for City

St Patrick’s Athletic1

The ebullient City manager returned to the scene of his greatest triumphs to be feted by his former club-mates on the pitch and on the terraces.

He stayed to accept the plaudits of his new colleagues after a contest that reflected credit on two committed teams and provided rich entertainment.

A draw was no more than Cork deserved. They recovered after a near-disastrous opening half to save their reputation and a point with a performance of character and courage.

And Pat’s were left to rue the wasted opportunities of a magical opening spell.

In the final analysis Cork could raise a glass to absent friends and in particular John O’Flynn.

Ireland’s gain was Cork’s loss in a game of continuous action and Cork must have wondered what might have been had the dynamic striker been available.

But they must also have acknowledged the merit of St Pat’s opening salvo which was as bright and as cheering as the glorious weather on a sun-filled evening. Pat’s were, of course, hugely encouraged by their penalty goal after just six minutes.

Cork complained bitterly at the referee’s decision but from my vantage point it looked a legitimate penalty.

Mbabazi Livingston set it up with a driving run down the left-hand side of the penalty area and tumbled under Kevin Doyle’s tackle. Tony Bird scored confidently from the penalty.

Pat’s threatened to put the game beyond Cork’s reach as the goal encouraged them to turn on the style.

To their credit, Cork were always competitive and their tenacity enabled them knock the shine off Pat’s early sparkle with some disciplined work in defence.

They were stretched in all areas but they never lacked for industry and there were encouraging signs in the form of young Denis Behan at centre-forward and the skilful use of the ball by George O’Callaghan.

Dan Murray was outstanding at centre-back, Greg O’Halloran and Colin P O’Brien superb in the second half.

Pat’s had Bird in industrious form at centre-forward, Paul Donnelly consistently good and Keith Fahy sparkled on the right flank.

His prominence was facilitated by Cork’s inability to make any impression in an attacking sense on that wing.

Pat’s played the more compelling football, but a willing spirit can compensate for much.

In this instance it helped Cork salvage a late, late point as Denis Behan capped a fine individual performance with a controlled volley from 22 yards in the 94th minute.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC (4-4-2): Adamson; Prenderville, Foley, Maguire, Karim; Fahy, Donnelly, Osam (Murphy 63), Livingston (Casey 81); Dunne (Freeman 52), Bird.

CORK CITY (4-4-2): Devine; Carey, Bennett, Murray, Woods; Doyle (CP O’Brien 68/Buckley 90), O’Halloran, CT O’Brien, Hedderman (Nolan 81); Behan, O’Callaghan.

Referee: E Barr (Dublin).