Derry City - 0 Cork City - 0:NATIONAL LEAGUE: In excess of 3,000 fans swarmed the Brandywell yesterday morning as Derry City sold out its FAI Cup final ticket allocation before the high noon kick-off with Cork.
And while the hype associated with the forthcoming Tolka Park game against Shamrock Rovers was clearly evident in Derry, it was Cork who departed the Brandywell feeling sorry for themselves.
In fact Liam Murphy's men - devastated at their cup semi-final defeat by yesterday's hosts - squandered a litany of glorious scoring opportunities which confirmed that their confidence levels had been low.
And their lively strike-force of George O'Callaghan and John O'Flynn, will wish to forget this game quickly.
O'Flynn, in particular, missed two glaring chances during a 10-minute spell in the second half. With only keeper, Alan Gough, to beat, the striker scuffed his effort with the goal at his mercy in the 57th minute.
And 10 minutes later, in a similar move, O'Flynn appeared to lose his footing at the vital moment when inside the penalty area and another glorious chance had been lost.
Cork actually had the ball in the net in the 67th minute when debutante, Dan Murray, rose above the defence to head powerfully home, but referee Damien Hancock ruled that effort out for a push.
But Derry also had their chances, the most notable of which saw captain, Eamon Doherty's powerful shot blocked by Cork keeper, Michael Devine, in the 46th minute. And Gary Beckett also went close, forcing Devine to finger-tip a delicate chip over his crossbar.
Derry, having extended their unbeaten run to nine matches, will be the happier of the two while Murphy will be content to have recorded a clean-sheet, particularly away from home.
DERRY CITY: Gough; Deery, McCallion, McLaughlin, Hargan; Gill, Martyn, Doherty, Friars; Kelly, Beckett. Subs: Coyle for Gill (29 mins), McCready for Friars (62 mins).
CORK CITY: Devine; Carey, Murray, Daly, Horgan; O'Halloran, Bennett, Reynolds, Warren; O'Callaghan, O'Flynn. Subs: C T O'Brien for O'Halloran (57 mins), Mulconry for Warren (74 mins).
Referee: D Hancock (Dublin).
