League Preview: Cork City -v- Dundalk

Cork City celebrating their winner against Dundalk

Cork City celebrating their winner against Dundalk Credit: David Ribeiro (ETPhotos)

CORK CITY

Cork face into the second home game in a week when they welcome Dundalk to Turners Cross on Friday at 7.45pm.

The trio of Liam Kearney, Richie Holland and Liam Buckley have been named as the interim management team until the end of the season.  

This is on the back of four straight wins in a row to revive their hopes of staying up. Monday’s dramatic late win over Bohemians has lifted them out of the relegation play-off spot into 8th.

The side were struck a blow with the news that both Darragh Crowley and Albin Winbo have suffered ACL injuries and will miss the remainder of the season.

Richie Holland commented on the loss of Crowley: “Darragh is a massive loss. He's a player that can play multiple roles... He's a top professional, he does all his extras, and he knows what it means to be a Cork City player.

“So, look it's disappointing for all of us that he suffered the injury. We wish him all the best he'll do all his rehab here and he'll get back as quick as possible.”

In addition to the absences above, Ethon Varian is being also being assessed.

DUNDALK

Dundalk travel south in the hope of heading in the right direction and towards the European places.



Friday’s win against bottom side, UCD, ended a frustrating run of four games without a win.

They moved themselves within four points of Bohemians, albeit with a game extra played. It was a memorable night for Patrick Hoban who became their joint top goal scorer with a hat-trick on the night.

Andy Boyle commented on the challenge ahead: “The rivalry isn’t what it was four or five years ago but it’s still a big game and the atmosphere should be similar to the old days when we were fighting it out every season.

“They have some good players and they’ve got a bit more of an identity now, so you have to give them a bit of respect, but we’ve got our own threats and it’s about how we go and exploit their weaknesses.”

Wasiri Williams could be fit enough to return to the squad, but Robbie McCourt and Alfie Lewis will be assessed for knocks.

Referee: Robert Hennessy.



 

MATCH STATS

It is all square between the sides going into their third encounter of the season.

A first-half goal from Cian Murphy gave the rebel army only their second win of the season at that point.

In the return, the patched-up visitors looked to have done enough to secure their first away win of the season via a Tunde Owolabi goal as the game entered into the final minutes. Then Josh Honohan saw a second yellow carded to be sent off and Cameron Elliott equalised late in injury time.

Incredibly there was enough time played for a red card to Cian Coleman and Patrick Hoban netted a 96th minute winner. Both games saw the subsequent start and end of a six-match losing streak for Cork.

BETTING

Cork City 9/5, Draw 21/10, Dundalk 7/5

PREDICTION

Cork City 1-1 Dundalk

 

Cork City

Injured: Tobi Oluwayemi, Darragh Crowley, Jonas Hakkinen, Albin Winbo

Doubtful: Ethon Varian

Suspended: N/A

 

Dundalk

Injured: Robbie Benson, John Mountney

Doubtful: Wasiri Williams, Robbie McCourt, Alfie Lewis

Suspended: N/A.

About Philip Morrissey

Philip is a Cork City fan for his entire adult life. From bad times to good, whether this was taking on some major European sides or in the First Division. Philip went back to college … View Full Profile