Clancy stresses importance of City's defensive core

Cork City's defensive rearguard have set the foundation for their good start to the season. 

SOLIDITY: Cork City manager Tim Clancy after the SSE Airtricity Men's First Division match between Treaty United and Cork City. Pic: Michael P Ryan, Sportsfile

Cork City's statistics this season read as such. Games played: six; Wins: four; Draws: two; Defeats: zero; Goals scored: eight; Goals conceded: 1; Clean sheets: five. 

The above stats have guided City into an early three-point lead at the First Division summit heading into Friday night's assignment against Athlone Town at Turner's Cross.