Dunne left flat by draw

Bohemians 1 Cork City 1

Although it ended honours even, it was the visitors that remain in pole position, one point clear of the Gypsies and two ahead of both Derry and Shelbourne.

However, it was a case of the same old story for Cork as they gave away another lead. They’ve now dropped 26 points from winning positions this season, though the performances have improved quite a bit in recent weeks.

“I suppose it’s a point gained but having been ahead again and lost a lead, it kind of feels like two dropped,” said City boss Tommy Dunne afterwards. “It’s a little disappointing but we’re still in fifth with four games to go.”

While there weren’t a great amount of clear-cut chances, the two goals certainly made up for it. Vinny Sullivan finished off a lovely team move in the first half for City and Evan McMillan levelled with a screamer for the hosts after 54 minutes.

City’s goal was a beauty and a firm contender for goal of the month. With 15 minutes on the clock Daryl Horgan careered down the right flank and filtered through a beautiful cross to Sullivan. The lone striker smartly positioned himself between the two centre-halves and as the ball landed in front of him volleyed venomously home, leaving Greg Murray with no chance from eight yards.

Apart from Kevin Devaney flashing an effort wide in the 24th minute from 30 yards, Bohs looked disinterested for long spells in the first half. They did have a couple of half-hearted penalty shouts when Danny Murphy and Gary Buckley looked to have handled inside the area, but both have been very harsh.

The interval saw a total change in attitude from the hosts, however, and it took just nine minutes for manager Aaron Callaghan’s tactical switch to pay dividends.

He hauled the ineffective Ken Carr off, with Dave Scully coming on and McMillan going from centre-back to centre-forward.

While City’s goal was all about fluid one-touch attacking play, McMillan’s effort was a long-range belter and surely another award nominee. It was Bohs’ first shot on target but worth waiting for as 25 yards out, he curled a sumptuous right-footed strike into the top right corner.

Bohs went on to dominate for long spells as City were restricted to counter-attacking but despite a barrage of pressure, the Cork defence coped well with Mark McNulty solid between the posts.

Kalen Spillane came closest for the visitors with a free-kick which fizzed wide, while former Cork player Dave Mulcahy shot wide for the Gypsies.

There was to be late drama as Keith Ward went down inside the box in the 93rd minute. Referee Rob Rogers sent the Bohs midfielder off for a second bookable offence, judging him to have dived.

BOHEMIANS: Murray; Heary, McMillan, Feely, Lopes; Devaney (Buckley 82), Barker, Ward, Mulcahy, Mulligan (Moore 75); Carr (Scully ht).

CORK CITY: McNulty; Kavanagh, K Murray, Spillane, Murphy; O’Neill (Parker 62), Duggan, Dunleavy (D Murray 75), Buckley (Kenny 69), Horgan; Sullivan.

Referee: Rob Rogers (Dublin).