O'Shea is Cork's hero - November 26, 2000
Cork City 0 Bohemians 0
Stand-in 'keeper Alan O'Shea was the undisputed hero as Cork thwarted Bohemians at Turners Cross yesterday.
With Michael Devine suspended and Noel Mooney still injured the youngster was called in for his fourth appearance of the season and his first start in a league game - and he didn't disappoint, earning he praise of both Derek Mountfield and Roddy Collins for a blistering performance.
Glen Crowe was O'Shea's main victim as Bohemians carved out chance after chance. The in-form striker could have increased his tally for the season by at least four but for the goalkeeper's efforts.
Twice in the first half and twice in the second, the 'keeper stunned Crowe by saving from point-blank range.
In contrast, Cork created just one real chance, late in the game. It fell to John Caulfield, who turned brilliantly in the box after receiving a pass from John Herrick, but Bohs 'keeper Wayne Russell was well positioned to deal with Caulfield's left-foot strike.
Mountfield said afterwards: "Alan has given me a bit of a poser for next week definitely with that performance. He pulled off some great saves and really justified his inclusion in the team today. He was magnificent and definitely did his bit to earn us a point," said Mountfield.
And, agreed Collins: "We could and perhaps should have won today but that young goalkeeper really had a great game. On any other day Glen (Crowe) might have had a hat trick with four one on ones with the goalkeeper but the lad really had a great game and I am happy enough with the point."
Cork City: O'Shea, O'Halloran, O'Donoghue, Daly, Napier, Moore, Cahill, Gaughan, Herrick, Morley, Mulligan
Subs: Caulfield for Moore 60, Tynan for Mulligan 70
Booked: Moore 34
Bohemians: Russell, O'Connor, Webb, Hunt, Maher, Hill, O'Neill, Caffrey, Molloy, Crowe, Hopper
Subs: O'Keeffe for O'Neill 51, Markey for Molloy 90
Referee: J McDermott (Dublin)