Leaders stifled by Bohemians

Bohemians helped to keep the title race open by holding the league leaders scoreless for the first time this season at Turner's Cross.

Bohemians admirably stole a point from an uncompromising contest in which their new signings, Kevin Hunt and Deane Martin, played significant parts.

Midfielder Hunt (23), formerly of Gillingham and Barnett, linked defence to attack effectively, while Martin (31), who saw service with Halifax, Scunthorpe and Rochdale, was always a handful for fullback Brian Barry Murphy.

But it was the Bohemians defence which impressed. Centre back Sean Maher was outstanding throughout, and with Eoin Mullin also in defiant mood alongside him, Cork created few openings.

Cork's inability to maintain their scoring form at home was a huge disappointment to the large attendance of about 5,000 and was a source of disappointment to manager, Dave Barry.

"The fans are used to us scoring goals here", he said. "And when we did not score early their frustration spilled on to the pitch. `We grew a bit anxious and we tried to play the killer ball too early."

Cork broke through the visitors' defence only once, and then goalkeeper Michael Dempsey advanced quickly to dive at John Caulfield's feet and deflect his shot away after 63 minutes.

Bohemians might have caused an even bigger upset after 80 minutes when Brian Mooney was found on the edge of the box by Hunt, but his shot carried narrowly over the bar.

Otherwise Bohemians concentrated on defence and their success underlines the fact that they have too many good players to be lodged at the foot of the table.

Said Barry: "Fair play to them, they came here for a point and succeeded. They set out to hold us scoreless and they worked very hard for their return."

Cork City: Mooney, Daly, Coughlan, Hill, Barry Murphy, O'Halloran, Herrick, Freyne, Cahill, Caulfield, Dobbs. Subs: Morley, for O'Halloran (46 mins), Cronin for Freyne (61 mins).

Bohemians: Dempsey, O'Connor, Maher, Mullen, Byrne, Martin, O'Hanlon, Hunt, Mooney, Swan, Hanrahan. Subs: Doyle for Hanrahan (46 mins), Wade for Martin (86 mins).

Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).