Cork City FORAS Co-op -v- Mervue United

• Alan Smith
• Thu, Mar 25 2010


Its third last against second last at Turner’s Cross tomorrow night, as Cork City face Mervue United for the first time (kick-off 7.45pm).

Mervue travel south after two successive 1-0 defeats at the hands of Athlone Town and Wexford Youths respectively, but manager Tom French remains positive that the first win will come sooner rather than later.

Cork, meanwhile, showed glimpses of an improving side from their first outing three weeks ago during last weekend’s 1-1 draw away to Athlone Town and they go into this tie as favourites to take all three points.

Despite a return of just two points from nine, they have faced the top two sides in Waterford and Derry, while facing Athlone away from home is also a sticky test. In truth, this is the first winnable game for Tommy Dunne’s charges.

A first win for the ‘new’ club will be helped by the return of assistant player manager Greg O’Halloran. The former Shels and Derry defender should fit straight back into the back four next to his good friend Dave Rogers, and they will undoubtedly prove difficult for Mervue to break down.

Nevertheless, Dave Warren will be ruled out for a few weeks due to a torn thigh muscle, while 18-year-old Gearoid Morrissey is still some time away from making his debut.

The Galwegians will be without the services of Darren Young and Kenny Farrell due to suspension, although French can avail of the trio of Nicky Curran, Pat Hoban and Mark Ludden who all return from bans.

Dave Goldbey and Craig Tone are still on the sidelines through injury though, and they may struggle in front of another big Turner’s Cross crowd.

Venue: Turner’s Cross, Cork

Referee: J McLoughlin

Paddypower.com Odds: Cork City 4/9, Draw 11/4, Mervue 11/2

Cork City
Injured: Dave Warren, Gearoid Morrissey.
Doubtful: none.
Suspended: none.

Mervue United
Injured: David Goldbey, Craig Tone.
Doubtful: none.
Suspended: Darren Young, Kenny Farrell.
Extratime.ie Prediction: 1-0 to the home side