Cork City have now gone ten domestic games without a win, but their penalty shootout victory over Cabinteely means they will be in Monday's draw for the second round of the FAI Cup.
At Stradbrook Road on Friday night, first-division Cabinteely were on the verge of an upset thanks to Robert Manley’s goal four minutes into extra time. They held out until the 119th minute but Ronan Hurley’s strike ensured that the game went to penalties.
Unfortunately for Manley, his effort – the first of the shootout – was saved by Mark McNulty and Cork scored all of their five penalties, with Gearóid Morrissey clinching the win.
City had begun well, with Karl Sheppard and Dan Casey going close while Garry Buckley hit the post 17 before the opener came three minutes later. From a Gearóid Morrissey corner on the left, McCarthy rose well at the back post to get his head on the ball and seemingly settle the Rebel Army.
However, Cabinteely responded well. Daniel Blackbyrne snatched at a chance before Vilius Labutis set up Zak O'Neill. His shot was saved by Mark McNulty and Conor McCarthy got the ball away before any attackers could follow up.
After that let-off, City finished the half well, with Gearóid Morrissey unlucky not to make it 2-0 while Karl Sheppard couldn’t get enough on an Eoghan Stokes cross.
Into the second half, Cabinteely brought on attacker Luke Clucas as they chased a leveller but, while they pressed hard, chances were at a premium. Kevin Knight did test McNulty with a long-range shot but at the other end City sub Joel Coustrain forced a strong stop from Stephen McGuinness.
Cabinteely levelled when Knight bundled the ball home following a Paul Fox free kick and they might have had a winner in normal time, with Keith Dalton’s header kept out by McNulty.
In extra time, Manley looked to have completed the turnaround for Cabinteely, but at the very end they were denied by Hurley and City finished the job in the penalty shootout.
Cabinteely: Stpehen McGuinness; Daniel Blackbyrne (Luke Clucas 50), Jack Tuite, Jack Hudson (Conor Keeley 114), Kevin Knight; Keith Dalton, Alex Aspil (Yuta Sasaki 59), Zak O’Neill, Vilius Labutis, Paul Fox; Robert Manley.
Cork City: Mark McNulty; Conor McCarthy (Alan Bennett 68), Dan Casey, Ronan Hurley; Colm Horgan, Conor McCormack, Garry Buckley (Alec Byrne 108), Gearóid Morrissey, Shane Griffin (Joel Coustrain 68); Karl Sheppard, Eoghan Stokes (Darragh Crowley 94).
Referee: Paul McLaughlin (Monaghan).
