Caulfield hails the character of City
REACTION
Daire Walsh
CORK CITY manager, John Caulfield, was delighted with the spirit and resolve of his side, after came from behind to earn a draw against Bohemians in yesterday’s FAI Cup semi-final, at Dalymount Park.
Following a deadlock-breaking score by Gypsies striker, Dinny Corcoran, Kieran Sadlier slotted home a late penalty to force a replay in Turner’s Cross, next Monday.
“I think the lads have taken a bit of criticism the last number of weeks. Confidence has been down, some of the players have lost a bit of form. We’ve had a number of injuries and even tonight’s team, starting team, we’d a number of guys we took a chance with,” Caulfield said afterwards.
“You’re 1-0 down, away from home, in a cup semi-final. A team that haven’t won in a while. Maybe people say their character, they hide away and whatever, but the lads gave everything. They kept fighting away. It was difficult and, obviously, we got the penalty. We’re still in the semi-final and we’ll take that.”
The decision to award a spot-kick to Cork in the 87th-minute sparked considerable debate in the Phisborough venue. While television replays appeared to show Darragh Leahy initially winning the ball, in a challenge with Conor McCarthy, his foot was certainly high on the City substitute.
Caulfield was in no doubt that the correct decision was made and, once again, stressed that City are happy to remain in contention for a third, successive FAI Cup crown.
“It looked like a reckless challenge. The lad [McCarthy] has a serious gash right down the side of his foot and to his ankle.
“He’s in the box and it looked a loose, rash challenge. It was absolutely, from our point of view. There’s no question, it was a penalty. Whether it was a sending off, we’re not quite sure.
“The quality of the play was it fantastic? Absolutely not, but it was hell-for-leather. The intensity was massive, right from the start to the end. Both teams gave everything. Bohs are a really good side, but we’re happy to get another chance,” the City boss added.