Cork City v Dungannon Swifts

• Alan Smith
• Sat, Sep 20 2008




After four 1-1 draws on the trot Cork City will hope to finally get back to winning ways against Dungannon Swifts at Turners Cross on Monday night. The Swifts come to Cork with nothing but pride to play for and after a 2-2 at home to Newry City on Saturday manager, Harry Fay is expected to make several changes as they will now focus on improving their league positions.

Following a 1-1 draw with Cobh Ramblers at St. Coleman’s Park on Saturday night, Cork City are now looking towards the cup competitions as their passage into Europe next season. City have already qualified for the semi finals, but should they finish top of the group they would have home advantage in the semi finals. The Leesiders currently trail Drogheda United on goal difference, so they will be hoping that Cliftonville can take something from Paul Doolin’s men in Belfast.

These two teams met back in Feburary with George O’Callaghan the star for Cork City in their 2-0 win. Speaking ahead of the game Alan Matthews told CorkCityFc.ie “Dungannon come into this game having only just begun their season, in contrast to the last time when they were nearing the end of their season. I would expect a different challenge from Dungannon this time as they will be much fresher and they will be a different side.”

Michael Devine is available for selection again after sitting out Saturday nights derby against Cobh due to suspension but Cillian Lordan is a doubt as he continues to recover from an ankle injury. Colin Healy picked up a bad knock on his shoulder against Cobh but could still line-out for City in a game they are the bookmakers favourites at 1-5 while the away side are a massive 11-1.

ExtraTime.ie Prediction: I can’t see anything more than a Cork City win in this game but the question is how many will they score? With a poor strike force after the summer transfer window the games isn’t going to be a goalfest but Cork should still have enough to beat the Northern side. Cork 2-0 would be a good bet.