Cork City earned a valuable draw in their Intertoto Cup second round first leg tie with NEC Nijmegen in Holland tonight.
Pat Dolan's men, who put out Swedish side Malmo in the first round, drew 0-0 and the draw gives them a realistic chance of making further progress in the competition going into the return leg in Turner's Cross on July 11.
Cork battled hard and showed a measure of skill and character to stand just 90 minute from the home leg away from a place in the next round against French side Nantes.
Cork had to start without their most potent striker, John O'Flynn, who pulled his abductor muscle in the warm-up.
In came Billy Woods on the right wing, with Kevin Doyle moved up front in place of O'Flynn.
The first half, devoid of excitement, was nonetheless an efficient workmanlike display by City who toiled in every department to keep the home side scoreless. And despite a lack of possession Cork still carved out the best chance of the half when, in the 20th minute, a George O'Callaghan corner found Billy Woods unmarked in the box but his well directed header hit the crossbar.
Nijmegen bossed possession but instead of creating openings all they did was pass the ball around to no end effect.
The home side's top scorer Frank Demouge was given no room by Alan Bennett. Left winger Ronildo Tininho caused most problems for Cork who soaked up the pressure and further frustrated a pedestrian home team.
Nijmegen upped the tempo in the second period and, showing more urgency, created far more openings.
Said Boutahar had a chance in the box before being dispossessed by the excellent Bennett. George O'Callaghan and Woods went close for the visitors but Nijmegen pouted forward as new signing Romano Dennboom created problems for Cork.
Rob Wielaert hit the crossbar before Dennboom went close in the 83rd minute with a great volley but goalkeeper Michael Devine's reactions were superb. Cork, who put out Swedish side Malmo in the last round, held on to cap another fine result in Europe.
Filed by Barry J Whyte
