PREVIEW: Shamrock Rovers vs Cork City

• Bar OSullivan
• Fri, Mar 14 2008




Most observers seemed surprised by both Shamrock Rovers and Corks opening day results. Rovers won away at the home of reigning Champions Drogheda, whereas Cork could only muster a no score draw against a side they were expected to beat. Perhaps its a sign of the strength of the league this season that those two games didn't end up as home wins.

Rovers were full value for their win at United Park and once again all the attributes that Pat Scully wants his side to display were there in abundance. Not only did they harass and hurry the opposition, but when on the ball they moved it quickly, and were always looking to get at Drogheda as quick as possible after winning back possession. Just like last season there was a high level of self belief evident.

Cork never really got going against a Bray side missing their two first choice centre backs. Put simply Alan Matthews side were not good enough on the night - but all Cork fans can and will take heart in the fact that their side can and will play much better. Bray came looking for a draw and it was up to Cork to grind them down and create the openings - this they didn't do and if they are to have any realistic title ambitions this season they must get used to teams sitting back and trying to stifle them - especially at Turners Cross.

Rovers are going to be without the services of long term injury casualties Aidan Price and Padraig Amond. Tadhg Purcell featured as a late substitute against Drogheda last week and he looks to be fully recovered from the injury that made him miss all of pre season. Purcell however is suspended for this game so will play no part. Young midfielder Chis Mulhall is carrying a knock and is unlikely to be named in the squad. Manager Pat Scully has more options open to him this season however he may find it hard to change a winning side.

Pat Sullivan returns from suspension for the Leesiders - however whether he starts or not remains to be seen. Cillian Lordan slotted in at right back against Bray and once again showed his ability. Gareth Farrelly looks set to miss out with a knee complaint - even if he were fully fit its very unlikely he would have started. Billy Woods is also unlikely to recover in time. Recent signing Alan O'Connor has a hamstring problem and will probably be sidelined for a couple of weeks. Alan Matthews didn't hide his frustration with his teams performance last week and may decide to change things around.

These sides met three times in the league last season - twice at Turners Cross and once at Tolka. Rovers won the Tolka encounter by two goals to one with goals from Barry Ferguson and Ger Rowe. The first Turners cross meeting ended scoreless and Corks one nil win over Rovers last October was their last home win of the season. Denis Behan scored the games only goal.

A win for Rovers would mean that maximum points had been picked up against two teams that are seen as real challengers for this years title. That would be a major achievement for Rovers and their odds for winning the league would, without doubt, be slashed. Currently they are priced as long as 16-1 by one high street firm. However with three points already on the board its hard to not get the feeling that they would be quite happy with a share of the points

Defeat for Cork would lead to a lot of pressure for Alan Matthews - even though he has only been in the job two minutes. He has been backed strongly by the club in the transfer market. His capture of former favourites O'Callaghan and Murphy gave him an instant rise in the popularity stakes however fans would be forced to reassess their optimism in him if after two games all the team had for their efforts was one point.

Kick off at Tolka Park is 8pm