SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Derry City 0 Cork City 2
DERRY City manager Peter Hutton was disappointed his side made it eight games without a victory, following this defeat to title chasing Cork City.
Hutton, who watched his side compete well in the first half, admitted that defensive mistakes cost them both goals.
“I thought we actually played quite well, particularly for periods in the first half and I felt the scoreline certainly flattered Cork,” he said.
“We had a lapse in concentration and just got hit by a sucker punch for their first goal and then right at death they scored again, in fact it was a double whammy with Aaron (Barry) getting sent off and the penalty.
“I thought initially Aaron was in the wrong position and to be fair to the striker he drew contact from Aaron in the box and I thought it was a penalty, but I think the sending off was a bit harsh.”
The Candystripes made one change to their side which drew 1-1 at Drogheda United in their last outing before the mid-season break.
Into the starting line-up came Shaun Kelly for the suspended Seamus Sharkey and youngster Ronan Curtis was given his Brandywell debut, after impressive at United Park.
Cork had the first chance after 10 minutes but after breaking in behind Karl Sheppard saw his close range shot turned around the post by City goalkeeper Gerard Doherty.
Soon after a super run by Patrick McEleney ended with him skipping away from a few challenges, but his curling shot from the right hand side of the box, failed to trouble Cork goalkeeper Mark McNulty.
McNulty was called into action on 17 minutes when he easily gathered Philip Lowry’s header, after the midfielder failed to connect properly with Dean Jarvis’ teasing left wing centre.
On 37 minutes more good play by Timlin ended with the left winger’s drive from 10 yards kept out by McNulty.
Early in the second half a Cork should have went in front but both Sheppard and Mark O’Sullivan failed to get any connection with the ball, after Darren Dennehy’s knock down into the six yard box fell perfectly for the duo.
Cork did take the lead on 58 minutes slick move ended with Sheppard breaking in behind Dean Jarvis, before drilling the ball home low past Doherty.
The visitors had a good chance to double their advantage when John O’Flynn latched onto a long ball, but from just inside the box he dragged his shot wide.
The points should have been wrapped up on 82 minutes but O’Flynn again failed to take his chance, this time he headed wide from close range, after Sheppard had picked up out at the near post.
