Advantage Cork City after Billy Dennehy’s winner

Cork City 1 Bohemians 0

The avoidance of defeat away to Dundalk next Friday will see Cork City crowned as SSE Airtricity League champions for the first time since 2005.

At Turner’s Cross on Friday night, Billy Dennehy’s goal in first-half injury time proved to be enough. Prior to this, John Caulfield’s side had failed to beat the Phibsboro side in four meetings across league and cup, but the outcome here never really looked in doubt after Dennehy’s goal.

Cork should probably have added to their lead in the second half.

There was just one change for Cork as Micheál McSweeney came in at left-back for the injured Ross Gaynor. Bohs had two alterations since the draw with Shamrock Rovers, with Dave Mulcahy and Craig Walsh replaced Roberto Lopes and Aidan Price.

While the early news from Bray increased the volume from home support, on the pitch it took a while for things to get going.

Attacking endeavour

The opening exchanges brought nothing more than a Mark O’Sullivan half-chance from a Colin Healy corner, the striker heading over.

Bohs were offering little in attack, though Dinny Corcoran was showing a few nice touches.

Cork were shakier at the back than at almost any time so far this season but as half-time approached they upped the ante, with Corcoran heading wide from Jack Memery’s cross.

In response, City fashioned their best move of the game to that point as Healy and Gary Buckley combined to set up O’Sullivan but Dean Delany made himself big and saved.

They didn’t have long to wait, however. After Bohs’ Karl Moore was cautioned for a foul on John Kavanagh just inside the visitors’ half, Dennehy’s free kick evaded everybody, including Delany, and nestled into the net, with the half-time whistle coming immediately after.

Blazed over

The early stages of the second half should really have brought a second goal. From a Healy delivery, Darren Dennehy and Dan Murray had half-chances before John O’Flynn blazed over.

Soon after, Billy Dennehy curled another free kick wide and then should have done better from O'Sullivan's pass, dragging his low shot across goal. Buckley wasn't far away with a first-time effort from O'Flynn's ball.

At the other end, Corcoran did well to set up Moore but his shot was easy for Mark McNulty.

In the 64th minute, what was already a difficult task for Bohs became more difficult as captain Dave Mulcahy was sent off for a second booking. From the free, Billy Dennehy again went close, with striker Jason Byrne having to head off the line.

With seven minutes left, a Healy half-volley drew a brilliant save from Delany, while Bohs finished with nine men as sub Stephen Best was red-carded for a foul on Garry Buckley.