AFTER 22 attempts, Tein Troost helped Cork City to finally secure a first clean sheet of the season against St Pat’s.
It proved another acrimonious night at Turner’s Cross, but Bohemians lifted the mood by drawing late with Sligo Rovers.
Bottom of the table, the Leesiders are four — rather than six — points adrift of Rovers.
If it proves to be Troost’s final game as City keeper, he at least signed off with a first shut-out and saved from Brandon Kavanagh late on.
City’s winless streak extended to 11 games while Saints have not won in their last five as they remain sixth. Stephen Kenny’s men have netted just once in that stretch.
Ger Nash called for unity in his programme notes after the supporter unrest that mired their Drogheda United draw.
But play was paused midway through the first half as objects were thrown from the Shed End amid a plume of black smoke. Fans chanted in opposition to the club ownership as a banner was unfurled that read, ‘Sold the dream, living a nightmare’.
City started the better. Seán Hoare prevented a Seáni Maguire chance. Sean Murray had four first-half efforts, including two set-piece headers but none were on target.
Pat’s did not threaten until the midway point. Mason Melia flashed a header over from Kavanagh’s free-kick.
Then, Zack Elbouzedi curled a left-footed effort inches past the post.
City’s best chance came just before the break. From a throw-in, Maguire outmuscled Kavanagh and squared for Kitt Nelson, who fired over.
Nash called on Djenairo Daniels and Cathal O’Sullivan in the second half.
From a free-kick, Greg Bolger knocked the ball past Joseph Anang only for Maguire’s effort to be blocked by Axel Sjoberg and scrambled to safety.
In a nervy finish, Troost denied Kavanagh with a fingertip save while Aidan Keena rifled over. At the other end, O’Sullivan’s flick was too high.
SUN STAR MAN
Greg Bolger (Cork City)
CORK CITY: Troost 7; Crowley 7, Anderson 6, Lyons 7; Mbeng 7, S Murray 7 (McLaughlin 65, 7), Bolger 7 (Shipston 74, 7), Kiernan 7 (Fitzpatrick 74, 6); Nolan 6 (Daniels 57, 6), Nelson 6 (O’Sullivan 57, 6); Maguire 7.
ST PAT’S: Anang 7; Sjoberg 7, Redmond 6, Hoare 7, McClelland 7; Lennon 7, Baggley 6 (Leavy 75, 6); Elbouzedi 6 (Forrester 75, 6), Kavanagh 7, Power 6 (Mulraney 35, 7); Melia 6 (Keena 67, 6).
REFEREE: M Lynch (Galway) 7.
