LATE penalty gives City a second chance
FAI CUP
Daire Walsh
CORK CITY live to fight another day in the FAI Cup after Kieran Sadlier’s late penalty forced a replay back in Cork, this night week.
With City trailing 1-0 against Bohemians in Dalymount Park, and less than four minutes on the clock, City were awarded a controversial penalty which Sadlier converted to keep City in the cup and his run of scoring in every round of this year’s competition going.
Manager John Caulfield was delighted with the spirit and resolve of his side.
The decision to award a spot-kick to Cork in the 87th-minute sparked considerable debate in Phisborough.
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.
“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.