Gypsies denied by late O’Callaghan stunner

Cork City 3 Bohemians 2

George O’Callaghan proved Cork’s hero as his 93rd minute strike claimed all three points for the home side in front of 5,500 punters at Turner’s Cross.

City nicked this one from the back pocket of Bohs manager Stephen Kenny who will still be wondering how his side returned to the capital with nothing for their efforts.

Time and time again in the first half they made the City defence of Dan Murray and Alan Reynolds look very ordinary and if Irish international and talisman Glen Crowe had taken advantage of three early chances that fell his way, the points would have been wrapped up for the Dubliners before half-time.

With Bobby Ryan and Mark Rutherford in total control on the wings, City looked to be in all sorts of trouble defensively.

With Billy Woods and Kevin Doyle failing in their defensive duties, both City full-backs Gareth Cronin and Neal Horgan were exposed on numerous occasions.

Bohemians started very well with both wingers Mark Rutherford and Bobby Ryan causing all sorts of problems for the City full-backs Gareth Cronin and Neal Horgan.

Three times in the opening 15 minutes, Bohs wingers created chances for Glen Crowe, who failed to make the most of the chances presented to him.

Bohs were made to pay a minute later as Pat Dolan’s side went in front with their first real attack of the game.

A long ball from Gareth Cronin was knocked on by John O’Flynn, who still reacted quicker than anyone else to beat Bohs keeper Shay Kelly to the ball and set up George O’Callaghan for the opener.

However, it took Bohs all of 36 seconds to equalise.

A break down the right and a superb cross from Bobby Ryan was met perfectly by the head of Glen Crowe to give the diving Devine no chance.

Bohs should have taken the lead in the 35th minute but full-back Simon Webb penalty kick was expertly saved by Michael Devine diving to his left after Dan Murray was adjudged to have brought down Damian Lynch. And how costly that miss turned out to be for the visitors.

Bohs did take the lead in the 40th minute when Ryan again was allowed run at the City defence and his perfect cross found the in-rushing Mark Rutherford who slotted the ball home from 12 yards.

Cork’s Alan Bennett thought he had equalised on the stroke of half-time but his goal bound effort was blocked on the line by Colin Hawkins.

Bohs dominated the early stages of the second-half in terms of passing and possession but they never really threatened the City goal.

The withdrawal of winger Bobby Ryan in the 58th minute with a recurrence of the knee injury that almost kept him out of the game limited Bohs’ attacking options.

The introduction of Alan Carey for Neal Horgan in the 59th minute gave City a new impetus and a greater drive.

And it was this never say die attitude that was crucial in the final analysis.

City were level in the 70th minute when John O’Flynn netted his fourth goal in two games after Billy Woods shot came back off the post following a cross from Greg O’Halloran.

A draw looked odds on as both sides ran out of puff, but O’Callaghan had the final say - sending Turners’ Cross wild in the process.

CORK CITY: (4-4-2) M Devine, N Horgan, G Cronin (A Carey 59), A Bennett, D Murray, G O’Halloran, G O’Callaghan, B Woods, C O’Grady, J O’Flynn, K Doyle.

BOHEMIANS: (4-4-2) S Kelly, D Lynch, S Webb, K Hunt, D Coughlan, C Hawkins, B Ryan (F Harkin 58), S Caffrey, P Keegan (A Peveplyochin 67), G Crowe, M Rutherford (D Morrisson 88).

Referee: J O’Neill (Waterford).