Cork City slumped to their joint worst defeat of the season last night.
The 5-0 defeat away to Dundalk equalled the 5-0 hammering at the hands of Bohemians in Dalymount Park in May.
The result leaves City 9 points behind Sligo Rovers in the battle to avoid the relegation play off, leaving the Rebel Army pretty much consigned to play one of four first division teams in order to stay in the Premier Division.
Goals last night from former City star Daryl Horgan, along with Hayden Muller, Sam Durrant, John Martin and an own goal from captain Cian Coleman secured the points for the Lilywhites, and consigned City to their 18th defeat of the season.
Speaking on LOI TV afterwards, City's sporting director Liam Buckley said it simply wasn't good enough.
"Dundalk were well in control of the game. In the second half we were marginally better, but look it, not good enough from where I'm at.
"We've given some stupid goals away, and you can't do that, at our level you can't do that.
"If you don't compete and get up to speed quickly you're going to be in trouble, and that's where we were tonight."
Next up for City is a league clash with St Patrick's Athletic at Turner's Cross on Friday night, before the sides meet again in the FAI Cup Semi Final the following week.
🎙️ | "We've given some stupid goals away"
More disappointment for Liam Buckley and Cork City tonight. #LOI | #DUNCOR pic.twitter.com/9FFGbKF4ZB— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) September 25, 2023
