Cork City vs Derry City

Before the start of this season, Cork City and Derry City fans would have looked at this fixture as a key one to decide the direction of the league title. Whilst Derry are in third place they are 12 points off leaders Bohemians, who have a game in hand. Cork are a massive 23 points off the top, also a game more played.

Never the less, there is still plenty to play for as these teams clash in Turners Cross on Friday night. (kick-off 19:45).

Having had a convincing win over Cliftonville in Belfast on Monday night, City boss Alan Mathews told CorkCityFC.ie that he is keen for his side to continue that form into tomorrow night’s game. Speaking after training at Bishopstown this morning, Mathews said: “We had a great result against Cliftonville and also a very good performance. It will be a difficult game against Derry, but we need to maintain the intensity of performance which we displayed on Monday night as we bid to get the required result. We still have an awful lot to play for this season, and I would ask our supporters to get behind the team once again on Friday night.”

Pat Sullivan will miss the game as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury, while Joe Gamble is suspended following his sending off against Shamrock Rovers last week. While it has been a turbulent few weeks for all concerned, Mathews told CorkCityFC.ie that he is proud of the way his players have reacted: “I was delighted once again with the terrific attitude and application shown by the players on Monday night, and we must respond in a similar fashion once again against Derry.”

Derry City also had a successful outing in the Setanta Cup, moving to the top of Group 2 with a 2-0 win over Glentoran. Assistant manager Alan Reynolds is happy with Derry’s recent performances which have added to the player’s confidences.

“The team is playing with a lot of confidence at the minute and that has been reflected in our recent results. We took all three points in the local derby with Finn Harps and then had another good win over Glentoran at the Brandywell in the Setanta Cup, so hopefully we can continue this trend.”

In team news, Peter Hutton is out with a groin injury whilst Niall McGinn & Mark Farren are both doubts with hamstring injuries. Barry Molloy and Stephen Gray are both suspended.

Extratime Prediction: Cork (odds 5-4) are bookies favourites for this one, with Derry (odds 15-8) just favoured over a draw (odds 21-10). Extratime think that Derry City will come out on top in this one. They have been on an impressive run for the last month and we expect that to continue with a 1-0 win over the Leesiders.