U.C.D. -v- Cork City

UCD

UCD AFC kick off their Airtricity Premier League season with the visit of Cork City to the UCD Bowl this Friday. The students will be in flying form after securing a comfortable 3-2 win over Athlone Town in the Leinster Senior Cup earlier this week. Goals from Paul O’Conor and Robbie Benson, as well as an unfortunate own goal from the away side, saw UCD leading by two goals in the final minutes before Athlone Town pulled a goal back with the final kick of the game to add a bit of respectability to the score line.

Martin Russell explained after the game that while he was happy with the performance, he was particularly pleased with how the young centre back pairing of Hugh Douglas and James Kavanagh performed. Hugh is the recent recipient of the FAI Schools International Player of the Year award and, while both players are still involved with the under 19’s side, they will no doubt be looking to make a mark on this year’s senior side.

There was also a return competitive debut for Chris Mulhall on the left wing, while Barry McCabe continued his development with an appearance in central midfield alongside captain for the night Paul O’Conor.

Looking ahead to Friday’s game Russell said: “We are looking forward to playing Cork, we know with what they have added to last year’s side it will be tough test. We have a couple of injuries but I am sure that the boys that will play will do their upmost to put on a performance that will ensure that we start the season in a winning manner.”

“It’s a tough opening, they have added great ability to their squad but it’s one that I feel if we play to our potential we will do ok.”

UCD have seen their preparations during the week hampered with Paul Corry (foot) a doubt while he waits for the results of a scan. Graham Rusk is out with a groin strain and is looking at a seven day lay-off. Long term, Gary Burke, Samir Belhout and Tomas Boyle all remain unavailable for selection.

CORK CITY

First Division champions Cork City mark their return to the Premier Division with a trip to the Belfield Bowl. While most Cork City fans are looking forward to their return to domestic soccer’s top table, manager Tommy Dunne is under no illusions as to the task ahead of his team on Friday night:  “For myself, for the team and for everyone involved with the club, we are delighted to be back in the Premier Division pitting our wits against good teams.” said Dunne speaking to Corkcityfc.net. “To be truthful, an away fixture against UCD would not have been the fixture I would have chosen for our first game back in the Premier, as they are always strong at home and will be tough opponents.”

“They finished last season with five wins out of six at home, with their only defeat coming after a late goal by Shamrock Rovers, so that goes to show just how strong they are. Martin Russell always has his teams in good condition, and they always play good football, so we are under no illusions as to how tough it will be. It is a big pitch at Belfield and that will suit both teams, as we both like to get the ball down and play.

“We've got good players, a good squad, albeit not the biggest, but overall we are happy to be back in the Premier and we are all looking forward to the game and the season as a whole.”

With last season’s top scorer Graham Cummins having moved to Preston North End, Cork City will be hoping that injury doubts Davin O’Neill and loan signing Tadhg Purcell come through training on Thursday night to boost their attacking prowess. Stephen Mulcahy, Neal Horgan and Kevin Murray miss out through injury, while club captain and fan favourite Dan Murray will make his long awaited competitive return for the Leesiders.

Referee: Padraigh Sutton
 

MATCH STATS:
UCD have won their opening fixture in each of the last three seasons.

UCD had a better home win percentage and scored more goals at home than all but the top four in the league last year.

Cork City are unbeaten in fourteen league games, a run which stretches back to what was their only league defeat last season – a loss at home to Waterford United in June.

The two clubs haven’t met since September 2008 when Lawrie Dudfield and Denis Behan gave Cork City a 2-0 win in Turner’s Cross

BETTING:

Paddy Power Odds: UCD 10/3; Draw 9/4; Cork City 5/6 

PREDICTION:

1-1. Despite their favourite tags for the match, Cork City may find goals hard to come by this season without top scorer of the last two season Graham Cummins.

U.C.D. Injury News: Gary Burke, Samir Belhout, Tomas Boyle, Graham Rusk, Paul Corry (doubt).

U.C.D. Suspensions: None.

Cork City Injury News: Stephen Mulcahy, Kevin Murray, Neal Horgan, Davin O’Neill (doubt), Tadhg Purcell (doubt).

Cork City Suspensions: None.

Live Update Link: http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17849/1/