Benevento dream becomes nightmare

THIS was supposed to be a season to remember, in a positive sense, for everybody associated with Serie A newcomers Benevento.

After a chequered history going back to 1929 – the original club folded and came back to life under a different trading name in 2005 (League of Ireland fans know the drill).

Benevento then climbed through the divisions to make the highest level of the Italian game for the first time in their history.

They’ve found it hard and yesterday’s defeat at home to Lazio means they sit bottom after 11 games with a total of zero points.

To make matters worse, skipper Fabio Lucioni tested positive for a banned substance in September and could be facing a four-year ban. He denies any wrongdoing.

The fairytale has lost its gloss.

Baffling optics for Cork’s golden moment

ALMOST 6,000 people filed into Turner’s Cross for a meaningless game with Bray on Friday. That’s a serious attendance and the reason was that Cork City were presented the League of Ireland trophy afterwards.

With three sides of the ground packed – and one still closed due to the impact of Hurricane Ophelia – there was ample opportunity for a terrific crowd shot to go with the trophy lift.

But in an astonishing move, the stage was set up in front of the deserted stand so the photos gave the impression Cork’s big night was almost like a private party with little interest. The league really doesn’t help itself sometimes.