Cork’s bid to close gap on Dundalk stifled by Derry

Cork City 0 Derry City 0

Cork City missed out on a chance to close the gap on Premier Division leaders Dundalk as they were held to a goalless draw by Derry City at Turner’s Cross on Friday night.

Going into to the encounter 11 points behind with a game in hand, John Caulfield’s side knew that their margin for error had evaporated but a strong Derry defensive effort frustrated them.

While the first half was goalless, it wasn’t without good opportunities and Derry were disappointed not to break the deadlock.

They played nice passing football as they sought to build on the win over Shamrock Rovers and Ciarán O’Connor went close on three occasions.

Barring a John O'Flynn chance which had Shaun Patton off his line quickly and Ryan McBride completing the clearance, Cork City didn't offer many clear-cut chances but O'Flynn went close upon the restart, his header from Ross Gaynor's cross straight at Patton.

Derry sub and former Cork player Cillian Morrison could have stolen it with a fine header and Alan Bennett blocked Stephen Dooley's follow-up. Late on a Cork replacement, Danny Morrissey, had a great opportunity but he headed wide from Steven Beattie's cross.

CORK CITY: McNulty; McSweeney, Bennett, Murray (O'Connor 73), Gaynor; Miller, Dunleavy; Sheppard (Morrissey 85), Buckley, Dennehy; O'Flynn (Beattie 65).

DERRY CITY: Patton; McLaughlin (McEneff 54), McBride, Barry, Jarvis; Timlin, McCormack, Cornwall, McNamee, Dooley; O'Connor (Quigley 90).

Referee: T Connolly (Dublin).