League Preview: Cork City -v- Shelbourne

Mark McNulty concedes last weekend against Athlone Town

Mark McNulty concedes last weekend against Athlone Town Credit: David Ribeiro (ETPhotos)

CORK CITY

Cork City enter the game on the back of two straight defeats in the First Division, losing to Cabinteely and Athlone Town.

A victory for City would see them leapfrog the Dubliners in the table but manager Colin Healy is wary of the opposition.

Speaking ahead of the game, Healy said: “Shelbourne have got very good players. They’ve got experience and they’re a very good side. It’s always a good game when Shelbourne come down."

The Rebel Army will also look to regain their scoring touch having failed to score in their last two matches.

Attacker Cian Baragry is currently nursing an ankle injury and a successful recovery from injury would really bolster City’s potency in attack.

Rob Slevin and Josh Honohan remain absent while Alec Byrne and Cian Coleman both experienced groin problems recently, but Healy says they “should be fine” for Friday’s clash.

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne travel to Turner’s Cross to face Cork City looking for a second straight win over their rivals.

The Reds currently occupy fourth place in the First Division following an unbeaten start to the new season.



Shelbourne are hoping for successive victories following their first win of the campaign last week, beating Wexford 1-0 at Tolka Park.

Sean Quinn, Denzil Fernandes and Gerardo Bruna are all absent through injury while Glen McAuley serves the last game of his suspension.

In better news, captain Luke Byrne returns after a three-match ban and team manager Ian Morris says he’s “in fantastic shape” ahead of Friday.

Meanwhile, opponents Cork City will be out to end their losing streak and Morris is fully aware of this.

“I’ve seen the war cries put out in the media and they really need to get a win, so without a doubt they’ll be up for it.

The Dubliners have yet to taste defeat this season, but the manager can still find room for improvement.



He described his charges as a “nearly team” so far this season adding that they “haven’t hit where we need to hit yet,” but nevertheless, they remain in good stead “to build momentum.” 

Referee: Marc Lynch 

MATCH STATS

This game is a clash involving the two relegated sides from the Premier Division last season. Cork City were relegated automatically while Shelbourne dropped down following a play-off defeat to Longford Town.

The most recent meeting between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw in Tolka Park last September, with Deshane Dalling’s cancelling out Dayle Rooney’s early opener.

Shelbourne are unbeaten in the First Division so far having returned a win and two draws from their opening three matches.

Cork City are looking for their first win since the opening day of the season when they defeated Cobh Ramblers 2-1.

BETTING

Cork City 21/10 Draw 5/2 Shelbourne; Evens

Prediction Cork City 1 Shelbourne 2

Cork City

Injured: Rob Slevin, Josh Honohan

Doubtful: Cian Baragry

Suspended: None 

Shelbourne

Injured: Sean Quinn, Denzil Fernandez, Gerardo Bruna

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Glen McAuley 

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