Cork City 4

St Patrick’s Athletic 0

Cork City put a bad week in the league behind them as Garry Buckley netted twice to send them into the fourth round of the FAI Cup at Turner’s Cross tonight.

While St Patrick’s Athletic arguably had the better goal chances in a goalless first half, goals in the 48th and 52nd minutes from Buckley and Mark O’Sullivan respectively put City firmly in control and they were never likely to let their visitors back into the game.

Following losses to Limerick and Shamrock Rovers in their previous two Premier Division games, City needed a spark and started well in the first half, with O’Sullivan having a goal ruled out for offside while Sheppard drew a good save from Brendan Clarke.

Pat’s began to get on top though and Conan Byrne, Aaron Greene and James Chambers all had chances cleared off the line, with Alan Bennett and Dan Murray saving City.

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

It remained scoreless at half-time, though, and City roared into life in the second half.

After sub John Kavanagh won a free kick on the right, Ross Gaynor’s delivery hit Aaron Greene and then the post, allowing Buckley to prod home.

O’Sullivan doubled the lead soon after when he dispossessed Brennan and lashed a superb shot past Clarke from 25 yards and, after the hour mark it was three, Buckley again on hand after Clarke saved from Gaynor.

Forrester and Chambers did have chances as Pat’s sought a way back, but the fourth goal of the game also went City’s way, Billy Dennehy – on for his first game since July 2 after Kavanagh had to go off – converted from close range after Sheppard had instigated breakaway.

CORK CITY: Mark McNulty; Michael McSweeney, Alan Bennett, Dan Murray, Ross Gaynor; Colin Healy, Liam Miller; Karl Sheppard, Garry Buckley, Kevin O’Connor (John Kavanagh half-time (Billy Dennehy 70)); Mark O’Sullivan (Liam Kearney 76).

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC: Brendan Clarke; Ger O’Brien, Jason McGuinness, Lee Desmond, Ian Bermingham; Greg Bolger, Killian Brennan (Jamie McGrath 55); Conan Byrne (Seán Hoare 66), James Chambers, Chris Forrester; Aaron Greene (Morgan Langley 84).

Referee: Paul McLaughlin (Monaghan)

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