Cork 0-1 Dundalk - Chris Shields takes advantage of some very sloppy Cork defending to give the visitors the lead. #rtesoccer pic.twitter.com/EmQMMNDpze — Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) September 21, 2018 It was a first half devoid of big chances, with Gary Rodgers saving comfortably from Gearóid Morrissey and Kieran Sadlier. The hosts felt they should have had a penalty after a tussle between Brian Gartland and Graham Cummins from a corner, but the referee wasn't interested. Hoban's bicycle kick - which flew high and wide - was Dundalk's only chance of note, but the Lilywhites entered the break with the lead. Things went from bad to worse for Cork at half time as Caulfield received his marching orders. Shields almost scored a stunning second in the 60th minute, but his shot from distance flew just over the bar. Brian Gartland then spurned a great opportunity from Michael Duffy's corner, with the Dundalk centre half directing his free header over the bar. Cork introduced Ronan Coughlan alongside Cummins up front, but failed to cut through the Lilywhites' resolute defence. The result means that a win next time out against Derry could seal the title for the Louth club. Cork's attention is likely to now turn to the FAI Cup, which they won last year. "It was a great effort by the players, I felt," Stephen Kenny told RTÉ Sport afterwards. "The players’ attitude is tremendous and they showed a great attitude again today. "It wasn’t a flawless performance by any stretch of the imagination but I think the team deserved the win on the night. CORK CITY: Mark McNulty; Steven Beattie, Conor McCarthy, Sean McLoughlin, Shane Griffin; Gearoid Morrissey, Conor McCormack (Damien Delaney 89); Jimmy Keohane, Garry Buckley (Ronan Coughlan 61), Kieran Sadlier; Graham Cummins (Shane Daly-Butz 71). DUNDALK: Gary Rogers; Sean Gannon, Brian Gartland, Sean Hoare, Dane Massey; Chris Shields, Robbie Benson (Dean Jarvis 86); John Mountney, Patrick McEleney (Jamie McGrath 75), Michael Duffy; Patrick Hoban (George Kelly 91).