4-1 down at half-time, it was not overly surprising that Damien Delaney failed to reappear for the second-half of Cork City's clash with Bohemians. Replaced by Conor McCarthy at half-time, it had been a woeful evening for the 37-year-old former Irish international.
I’d say Damien Delaney had some rough days at the highest level but that’s got to be one of the worst 45 minutes of his career. Unbelievable stuff at Dalymount
— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) September 14, 2018
A game that John Caulfield's side realistically needed to win if they had any designs on retaining their league title, the former Premier League defender was not the only Cork player to turn in a poor first-half performance - but he was perhaps the most culpable of all.
Succumbing to the pressure Bohemians applied from the off, Delaney's first error of the evening will undoubtedly go down as the worst of the lot.
Incredible!!! Bohs lead, thanks to an unbelievable own goal from Damien Delaney https://t.co/g1jeauosfl #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/iAlCcMOcwi
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) September 14, 2018
1-0 down, Cork City nevertheless had plenty of time to drag themselves back into contention. However, slightly over 10 minutes later and Bohemians had doubled their lead.
Although it would be inaccurate to suggest that Delaney was the chief culprit here, he will, nevertheless, not want to look back at how easily Danny Kelly skipped beyond his attention here.
As it was said in commentary; "Kelly went by Delaney like he wasn't there."
From the ridiculous to the sublime - Danny Kelly makes it two with a brilliant solo goal https://t.co/g1jeauosfl #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/3ZdpsyH67n
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) September 14, 2018
With Cork reeling, Damien Delaney certainly could have done better when Bohs grabbed their third before the half-hour mark.
Trying to take the ball out of defence himself, the former Crystal Palace man was dispossessed far too easily. Although a number of his teammates could have done more to stop Kelly grabbing his second of the night, it all sprang from Delaney's initial carelessness.
Wow. That should be that. Danny Kelly produces another fine finish and Bohs are flying https://t.co/g1jeauosfl #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/JCGMeX7fYo
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) September 14, 2018
Again, Delaney will have reason to wonder why Cork allowed the Bohemians full-back Derek Pender make his way into the City box, yet, when it came to making a last-ditch effort to stop the relatively weak effort off Pender's left, Delaney looked a few steps off the pace.
Although he may well have been trying to avoid a collision that could have resulted in a penalty, it is a wonder why he chose to pull back rather than throwing a leg out.
HT Bohs 4-1 Cork City - The captain delivers! Derek Pender starts it off from right back and he's there to finish past Cherrie after a lung-busting run. What a half for Bohs https://t.co/g1jeauosfl #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/Xlei278JJv
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) September 14, 2018
A difficult night for Delaney resulted in a potentially significant night for Cork City. With Dundalk now holding a commanding lead at the top of the Airtricity League, it would appear that Caulfield's side may have relinquished any hopes of retaining their league title.
