Preview: Derry City vs Cork City

After the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser to Shamrock Rovers on Tuesday night, Cork City face the long trip north to take on Derry City at the Brandywell on Sunday. The sides drew one all at Turner’s Cross earlier in the season, when Derry scored an injury time equaliser to cancel out Dave Mooney’s goal. The Rebel Army have conceded late goals on a number of occasions this season, and manager Alan Mathews told CorkCityFC.ie that his side needs to cut out the mistakes which are costing them points: “We need to eradicate the lapses in concentration and the looseness that has fallen into our game over the last few weeks, and if we do that we will pick up a positive result, and will hopefully get the three points. We just need to apply ourselves a bit more when we get into the ascendancy. The reality is that we need to get into control of games, get goals and finish teams off.”

Midfielder Colin Healy is suspended for the tie, meaning Joe Gamble is likely to return to the midfield, and with no injuries to report, Mathews will have a full squad available to him. Speaking after training, the City boss told CorkCityFC.ie that he is looking forward to the game: “The Brandywell is a good football venue and one where I liked going when I was playing myself and more recently as a coach and as a manager. The onus is on the home team to come out, attack and try to win the game, but we know that we are capable of going anywhere and beating any team. I’ve said that number of times and I believe it, but we need to start proving that on a more consistent basis.”

Having featured intermittently since his arrival at the club this season, Pat Sullivan has struck up a central defensive partnership with skipper Dan Murray in recent weeks, and he told CorkCityFC.ie that he is enjoying his football, but is disappointed with recent results: “I’ve never really played centre half before, but I can play anywhere across the back four and I am enjoying it, it’s just a pity we probably haven’t got the results we wanted. It’s great having Dan playing alongside me as he’s probably the best centre half in the league. He has great experience and ability on the ball, and he can talk you through the game.”

Derry City come into the game on the back of three straight wins and are unbeaten in seven games. Last week they overcame nearest rivals Finn Harps by two goals to nil and Stephen Kenny will be looking to continue that form into Sunday’s game. However he is fully aware that Cork City will be a tough prospect.

"We were one nil down against Rovers but fought back and saved a point, and since then we have taken all nine points from the 3 games we have played, so that shows that we are in good form coming into this game. Some say that Cork have the best side in the league, so it will be a tough game, but we have a good record at home and are back scoring goals so that's a good sign"

The Candystripes will be without the services of Paddy McCourt (back),Darren Quigley (Hand), Sammy Morrow (Knee), Sean Hargan (Knee) and Ruardhri Higgins (Ankle).

The match kicks off at 7pm and is live on Setanta Ireland.