Cork City -v- Shelbourne

• Andrew Cunneen
• Thu, Aug 04 2011


Cork City will look to end the 100% away record of visitors Shelbourne on Friday evening when the Reds travel to Turners Cross in what promises to be the tie of the weekend in the First Division. A win for Cork will reduce the gap to a somewhat manageable seven points, but a win for Shelbourne would go a long way in securing them the title. (Kickoff 7.45 pm)

Cork City have been in impressive form this year, losing only once in their entire league campaign, to rivals Waterford United. Striker Graham Cummins has attracted a lot of attention from across the Irish Sea but now with the transfer window ticking down, a move to England or Scotland for Cummins seems unlikely, which will be a massive boost for City in their run-in. In their last league encounter, City came away with an impressive away win against Longford Town with their new loan signing Daryl Horgan impressing massively.

Tommy Dunne spoke of Shelbourne in an extremely respectful manner. He said: “Shelbourne are top of this division on merit, and have been performing excellently this season. Their away record is excellent, and we are in absolutely no doubt that they will provide a tough test for us this evening. There is a lot of rivalry between the two clubs, so I am sure that everyone is looking forward to the game. Claiming the three points will be a tough ask, but if we approach the game in the right manner we are confident in our own ability to win the game.”

Shelbourne are the league leaders, they have the best home record, the best away record, the most goals scored, and the least goals conceded. They truly are a formidable force, and all credit is due to Alan Mathews and his players for their achievements. To bet against Shelbourne would be foolish, although this may well be their toughest test to date.

Shelbourne overcame Salthill in their last league encounter, by a comfortable four goals to one scoreline despite falling behind to the Galway outfit. Much of Shels magic this season can be attributed to the performances of Philly Hughes and David Cassidy, who have as good an understanding as ever seen in this division.

Alan Mathews is expecting a very tough, but entertaining game. “It’s an excellent game to go and play in; you want to test yourself against the best. Cork are an excellent club, there will be an excellent atmosphere, and they’re right on our coattails, so it should be a good game to come back into. Cork is a good place to go and play and hopefully will be a ground we can go and play in at a higher level next season.”

In their previous encounter this year, Cork and Shelbourne played out an entertaining one-all draw in Tolka Park and a match of equal quality and entertainment is expected on Leeside.

Cork City:
Injured:Neal Horgan (GAA commitments)
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

Shelbourne:
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: David McGill.

Referee:Padraig Sutton.

Paddy Power Odds: Cork 13/8 Draw 11/5 Shelbourne 6/4

Extratime prediction: Shelbourne to show that they’re a step ahead of absolutely everyone by winning 2-0.