Damien Richardson returned to the Cork City dug-out in Flancare Park tonight but his side had to settle for a point in a 0-0 draw with a dogged Longford outfit.
The visitors could have hit the front as early as the seventh minute. Joe Gamble’s excellent through-ball allowed John O’Flynn to steal in behind the home defence. His shot, however, was well saved by Shay Kelly.
Cork went on to dominate for long spells but couldn’t penetrate the Town rearguard.
Indeed, Greg O’Halloran almost presented Longford with a 67th minute opener. His weak header almost left Dessie Baker in on goal, but keeper Michael Devine intervened to spare his defender’s blushes.
The Leesiders continued to press forward after the restart and George O’Callaghan saw his 70th minute volley blaze just wide. Roy O’Donovan blasted over Kelly’s crossbar just four minutes later.
Cork’s best chance of the second half came after 82 minutes. However, Roy O’Donovan’s fine strike was well stopped by Kelly.
