Coffey on mark again but Cork City held by Wexford

SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division: Cork City 1 (Coffey 7) Wexford 1 (Harnett 43) 

Cork City’s long-awaited return to Turner’s Cross ended in a stalemate as Ireland U17 international Kaylem Harnett halted their 100% home record.

Barry Coffey scored his first goal of the season in the last game before the Cross was closed for a month’s remedial works and he saved his second for its reopening.

The Leesiders hadn’t conceded in their first five home matches but 16-year-old Harnett brought that to an end before half-time with his second senior goal.

However, Cobh Ramblers did their neighbours a favour ahead of Friday’s Cork derby by beating second-placed UCD. Unbeaten in 14, City’s lead increases to eight points.

The pitch looked in immaculate condition in front of 2,669 fans and held up well for its third game in a week following the Munster Youth Cup final and the City Women’s Premier Division fixture.

Both sides made four changes from their Friday night outings, with Tim Clancy giving a first start to Darragh Crowley 11 months on from his cruciate injury. Greg Bolger missed out while top-scorer Jack Doherty continues his recovery.

City had the opener inside seven minutes. Nathan Wood slipped a pass to Jaden Umeh down the left and the teenager brilliantly shielded the ball before pulling it back for Coffey. He did the rest, sweeping a clinical finish into the top corner.

It was midway through the half before they threatened again. Evan McLaughlin’s deep corner was headed back across goal by Cian Coleman. But while Umeh and Charlie Lyons ended up in the net, the ball did not, bobbling inches wide.

Another fine move started and finished with Umeh but he could only get glancing contact on the final header.

As City