13th December
If you were to compare the league title race between Pats and Cork to a game of Monopoly then Cork definitely used their get out of jail free card today against a resurgent, inspired and spirited Dundalk team who did not have the finishing touch that all their fine play deserved.
The crowd was fair for a bad day but not as big as desired. Those who did not turn up and instead decided to stay in or go to pub to watch foreign football are a silly lot. They could not have realised how dramatic and exciting second half it was. Shame on them for not coming out to support Dundalk in it's time of need.
New signing John Brennan made his debut on the right side of midfield with Campbell moving to the left. This saw David Ward returning up front. The moving of Brennan and Campbell was not profitable but the decision to play Ward up front was vindicated. Michael Harte was dropped, an unbelievable move on McLaughlin's part while Brian Byrne was also an unused substitute. He can't be too far away from taking some part in the action.
The first half was dour stuff. Dundalk had oppourtunites which were not converted into chances while Cork had two good chances. Cahill got the better of Reddish in the early exchanges and was causing trouble on the left flank. Cork's first chance though, came from a speculative 25 yard lob from Caufield which was tipped over the bar by Steve Williams. The best chance of the half was to fall to Caufield who sidefooted wide when it seemed easier to score after a low cross by Cahill. The rain got heavier and half time came.
The second half was a different story. Reddish gave Cahill hell and won the overall battle while Capper shone again in defence. This was complimented by fine midfield performances from Tom McNulty and Ray Campbell behind the lively front two of Ward and Withnell. Dundalk's goal came after 47 minutes. Reddish took the ball into the Cork half and skipped around a couple of chances before sliding the ball through to David Ward whose shot was straight at Mooney and bounced off into the net. After this Dundalk started to pass the ball about with style. The suprisingly indisclipined Cork side got niggly and committed many needless and frustrating fouls. I really wish I'd brought a notepad so I could give you details of every clearcut Dundalk chance as in the next paragraph I'm sure I've missed many.
Campbell was dancing past players on the left wing and with Cork bringing on Morley to play up front Dundalk often had a player over on the counter attack. On one occasion Campbell found Ward and with three Dundalk men in the box he tried to slide it across but it was too close to Mooney who claimed it. Dundalk had many other chances with Campbell being put through but shot tamely wide with his left foot. If it had been on the right side he would have scored. Cork brought on Noel Hartigan and he scored soon after in an unwelcome interlude to Dundalk pressure. David Ward was blown up for offside when he wasn't. Cork went down the other end and won a free kick. The long ball into the area bounced around until Noel Hartigan hooked a peach of a volley right into the top corner. Williams could do nothing but Cork deserved nothing from this game. Dundalk got going again and had many more chances. McNulty broke through and looked like he was fouled. No foul was given and the loose ball fell to Ray Campbell who sidefooted wide from 10 yards. Peter Withnell tried a shot from nothing 25 yards out which curled onto the crossbar. The Dundalk player, Ward, who followed up shot wide with an open goal ahead of him. Dundalk were all around the Cork goal but could not get a ball in it. Ray Campbell had a penalty appeal turned down but on this occasion I think the referee may have got it right. However it was an afternoon of so many missed oppourtunities.
The Dundalk players fought bravely for 90 minutes. The jury is out on Jumbo Brennan. He was clearly out of position. Capper looks to be an excellent acquistion at the back while Reddish, McNulty and Campbell all had fine games. Kevin Brady was a steadying influence while David Crawley and Lee Thew had good and bad spells. Not to forget the front two, Withnell and Ward who were both very effective with Ward shading it. Dundalk will be disappointed with the result but if we perform with that character for the rest of the season then relegation will not be an issue.
Once again, no-one played badly. My personal preference is Capper but McNulty, Campbell, Ward and Reddish could all easily have won as well. It was a good team performance.