Cork City claim first clean sheet of season in St Pat's stalemate

While they sit rooted to the foot of the table, the Leesiders remain four points adrift of Sligo Rovers, rather than six, after a late Bohs equaliser at Dalymount Park.

Kitt Nelson of Cork City shoots over the bar during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Cork City and St Patrick's Athletic. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Premier Division: Cork City 0 St Patrick’s Athletic 0 

It took 22 attempts, but Cork City finally secured a long-awaited first clean sheet of the season in a scoreless draw against St Pat’s.

It proved another acrimonious night in front of 2,276 fans at Turner’s Cross, but Bohemians lifted the mood by swiping a late draw from Sligo Rovers.

While they sit rooted to the foot of the table, the Leesiders remain four points adrift of Rovers, rather than six.

If it proves to be Tein Troost’s final game as City keeper, he at least signed off with a first shut-out. However, for two teams desperately in need of a victory, this was a disappointing draw.

City’s winless streak extended to 11 games. They haven’t beaten Pat’s in 16 attempts, dating back to May 2018.

Meanwhile, Pat’s haven’t won in their last five outings as they remain sixth. Indeed, Stephen Kenny’s men have netted just once in that stretch.

The best chance fell to Kitt Nelson on the stroke of half-time, who steered over the bar. City had the better of the second half, but couldn’t capitalise.

Ger Nash called for unity in his pre-match programme notes after the supporter unrest that mired their Drogheda United draw.

But play was briefly paused midway through the first half as objects were thrown from the Shed End amid a plume of black smoke. Fans chanted in opposition to the club ownership as a banner was unfurled: ‘Sold the dream, living a nightmare’.

Striker Djenairo Daniels helped to clear the debris as he remonstrated with supporters.

The City squad will look quite different once the summer transfer window opens on Tuesday.

Reports have indicated that goalkeeper Troost and Rio Shipston won’t extend their loan deals. Top-scorer Daniels dropped to the bench as his future looks to lie elsewhere. 

Premier League-linked Cathal O’Sullivan remained among the subs for the second consecutive game.

However, Preston North End recruit Nelson has extended his loan deal to the end of the season. In addition, Fiacre Kelleher, Rory Feely, and Charlie Lutz will join on July 1st.

Kenny backed up his positive impression of Pat’s defeat to Derry City by retaining the same team.

City started the better. 

Seán Hoare came up with a vital intervention to prevent a Seani Maguire chance after good work by Greg Bolger and Milan Mbeng. Seán Murray had four first-half efforts, including a couple of set-piece headers. None found the target.

For all their possession, Pat’s didn’t threaten until the midway point. Mason Melia flashed a header over from Brandon Kavanagh’s free-kick.

Then, Zack Elbouzedi drove across the box to curl a left-footed effort inches past the post. The winger couldn’t sort his feet out for another major opening as Simon Power limped off.

The best chance fell for City just before the break. From a defensive throw-in, Maguire outmuscled Kavanagh and squared for Nelson. The loanee couldn’t believe his finish as he fired over.

A bright start to the second half lifted the home crowd. But the final pass kept letting City down. Nash called on Daniels and O’Sullivan to break the stalemate.

They led the press as City began to squeeze Pat’s. Hoare came up with another vital clearance from Maguire’s driven ball. Then, from a dangerous free-kick, Bolger knocked the ball past Joseph Anang only for Maguire’s effort to be blocked by Axel Sjoberg and scrambled to safety.

In an anxious finish, Troost came up with a fingertip save to deny Kavanagh, while Aidan Keena rifled over. At the other end, O’Sullivan’s flick flew too high.

CORK CITY: Troost; Crowley, Anderson, Lyons; Mbeng, S Murray (McLaughlin 65), Bolger (Shipston 74), Kiernan (Fitzpatrick 74); Nolan (Daniels 57), Nelson (O’Sullivan 57); Maguire.

ST PAT’S: Anang; Sjoberg, Redmond, Hoare, McClelland; Lennon, Baggley (Leavy 75); Elbouzedi (Forrester 75), Kavanagh, Power (Mulraney 35); Melia (Keena 67).

Referee: M Lynch (Galway).