Cork City -v- UCD

CORK CITY
Cork City will look to build on their recent good form, as they begin the second round of fixtures with a home tie against UCD.

Having suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Students at Belfield in their first game back in the Premier Division, City boss Tommy Dunne is under no illusions about the challenge facing his side, but he told CorkCityFC.net that he is pleased with his side’s recent form: “We will be a better proposition in this game than we were in the first game, but I have no doubt that UCD will be better as well. We have to make sure that we are diligent in our performance. Over the past couple of weeks we have shown that we are a team capable of going out and scrapping for results when we need to, and we have been competitive which is pleasing.”

“It has taken us time to adjust to the pace of the division but in recent weeks we have been picking up some good results. Every team in the division is capable of taking points off each other, and everyone will have a good spell, so we need to keep picking up results if we are to improve our position. We will be going out to win the game, but we do know that UCD are a very capable side and will be a tough proposition for us.”

Shane O’Connor (foot) and Jamie Murphy (ankle) remain sidelined, along with knee injury victims Stephen Mulcahy, Kevin Murray and Neal Horgan. Captain Dan Murray is again doubtful with the stomach injury which saw him miss the game against St. Pat’s. Dunne also has doubts over Tadhg Purcell, Gearóid Morrissey and Colin Healy, all of whom are struggling with groin injuries, but the City boss is hopeful that all three will come through training tonight and be available for selection.
 

UCD
While UCD have displayed what they are capable of at times, Martin Russell's side will be looking to add some consistency to their displays. Impressive performances against Drogheda United and Shamrock Rovers in recent weeks show just what this young side is capable of and there is no doubt that Martin and his staff will be attempting to channel those performances towards a win this weekend.

Having beaten the Rebel Army once already this season the Students will be looking to put on another winning performance when they travel down to take on Tommy Dunne's side. Looking ahead to the game Martin Russell was well aware of the challenge facing his young side:

"For many in the squad this will be their first trip to Cork, as always we are expecting a decent crowd and a decent atmosphere. We will looking to bounce back with a good performance and a result that will match our ambition. They have accumulated some decent results since we last met and their point away to Pats would have given them a lot of confidence."

"They will be a difficult proposition but once again our lads must rise to the occasion and show that they are capable of performing at the highest level."

Referee: James McKell

MATCH STATS
Last Friday night’s stalemate against St Pats was Cork City’s first scoreless draw in 39 competitive games.

UCD centre back James Kavanagh was this week selected in Paul Doolin’s Under 19 panel for the upcoming games. Cork City’s Gearóid Morrissey  was selected for the standby list for Noel King’s Under 21 panel.

UCD’s victory in the opening game of the season marked the first points they had taken from the Leesiders since 22^nd September 2006. UCD have to go as far back as 8^th April 2005 for the last time they came away from Turner’s Cross with points – a nil all draw against that season’s champions.

BETTING
Cork City 8/13, Draw 5/2, UCD 9/2.

PREDICTION
Cork City 3-1 UCD.

Cork City injury news: Stephen Mulcahy (knee), Kevin Murray (knee), Neal Horgan (knee), Jamie Murphy (ankle), Shane O’Connor (foot), Dan Murray (stomach), Tadhg Purcell (groin – slight doubt), Gearóid Morrissey (groin – slight doubt), Colin Healy (groin – slight doubt).
Cork City suspension news: None.

UCD injury news: Ger Barron (foot), Chris Mulhall (groin), Tomas Boyle (back), Dean Clarke(foot), Cillian Morrison (hip flex), Sean Russell (back).
UCD suspension news: None.