Cork City -v- Wexford Youths

• Jessica Farry
• Fri, Aug 12 2011


Second placed Cork City welcome second bottom Wexford Youths to Turner’s Cross on Friday (kick-off 7.45pm). Youths will be desperate for three points to move them ahead of Salthill Devon, on more than just goal difference.

Both of the previous fixtures between these sides ended in victories for Tommy Dunne’s side. In their last meeting, Noel O’Connor’s men took the lead in the 48th minute through a Craig Wall goal, but goals from Vinny Sullivan and Gearóid Morrissey in the 66th and 84th minute respectively cancelled out that earlier goal.

Cork City pulled off a shock 4-1 victory against league leaders Shelbourne on Friday last. Shels took the lead early on in the fourth minute but Cork hit back with four goals to claim all three points. Cork are tied on 43 points with Roddy Collins’ Monaghan United.

Wexford Youths come in to this game on the back of a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of Salthill Devon.  Youths took the lead with a Craig Wall strike in the 26th minute but that was cancelled out ten minutes later with a goal from Emmet Shaw. Timmy Molloy doubled Salthill’s lead in the 60th minute meaning that Paul McGee’s men are level on points with Youths.

City have several injury concerns facing in to this fixture but will welcome back Daryl Horgan who was cup-tied for the EA Sports Cup semi-final against Limerick on Monday. A scan has confirmed that Stephen Mulcahy has suffered a torn cruciate ligament and will be out for some time. Gearóid Morrissey missed the win over Limerick due to a virus and is doubtful while Dunne is hoping Derek O’Brien will have recovered after he picked up a knock on Monday night.

Davin O’Neill is definitely out due to an Achilles injury and Neal Horgan will again miss out due to his commitments to St. Finbarr’s GAA club. Speaking to CorkCityFC.net, Dunne is taking nothing for granted: “The Wexford game is just as big a game to us as either of the two previous games. Wexford are always well organised and competitive, and in our two previous meetings this season, there has been just one goal between the sides. While they are having a difficult season, Noel O’Connor is an experienced coach, and he knows how to get results, and that will make them dangerous opponents for us.”

Noel O’Connor has no injury concerns or even doubts heading in to this game. He is, however, without Paul Malone who is suspended.

Cork City
Injured: Stephen Mulcahy (cruciate ligament), Davin O’Neill (Achilles).
Doubtful: Derek O’Brien (knee), Gearóid Morrissey (virus).
Unavailable:Neal Horgan.
Suspended: None.

Wexford Youths
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Paul Malone.

Referee: Kevin O’Regan.
Paddy Power Odds: Cork City 1/8; Draw 11/2; Wexford Youths 16/1.
Extratime prediction: A 3-1 win for Cork City.