There is a certain irony in the fact that Cork City are destined to finish the year as league champions but not as the country’s best side. While their 14-point lead at the top of the Premier Division is fully justified, and their ascension to the top of the podium not in question, there is also little doubt they have slipped backwards since Seanie Maguire and Kevin O’Connor left the club to join Preston North End in July.
Minus Maguire, they lack a focal point in attack, highlighted by the failure of Karl Sheppard to lead the line last night, his relocation from the right side of Cork’s attacking three to centre forward proving to be a mistake. And it was not the only one