DUNDALK centre forward Peter Withnell will be kicking himself for failing to take any one of the three scoring chances that fell to him at Turner's Cross yesterday.

Withnell caused the Cork defence many problems with his strong running and determined play and Dundalk must feel very unfortunate not to have taken all three points.

However, the result helped them greatly in their battle to avoid relegation and also left Cork wondering just where their recent good form had suddenly disappeared to.

Cork failed to cope with a well organised and determined Dundalk in midfield and while they enjoyed a lot of the ball, they seldom threatened in attack.

It was only when Kelvin Flanagan put in some much needed drive and energy to their midfield that Cork emerged as a threat.

They lost a glorious chance four minutes from time to pick up the three points that would have helped them close the gap on front running Derry. Centre forward Damien O'Connell hung his head in disappointment when he mis kicked in front of goal.

It was the more earnest Withnell who looked more likely to settle the game at the other end. He shot over, however, from in side the box after just eight minutes and then flashed a header outside an upright when he reached a free from Willy Crawley early in the second half.

But perhaps the best opportunity came in the 67 minute when be powered his way past Dave Hill in a run from the halfway line but then elected to seek Joe Gallen with a pass across the penalty area that was cut out when he looked certain to score.