Limerick -v- Cork City

• Andrew Cunneen
• Sun, May 29 2011


Jackman Park is the scene for the Munster showdown this Monday evening as Cork City travel to take on Limerick in a top of the table clash. The result from this one could be vital to either’s promotion push. (Kickoff 7.45 p.m.)

Limerick come off the back of yet another one-nil win, beating Salthill last Thursday in Drom. That scoreline seems to be becoming a trend on Shannonside, and I’m sure the Limerick faithful would welcome another one, come Monday night. Sean O’Connor scored his first league goal to supply the three points in Galway, whilst the rock solid defence kept yet another clean sheet.

Cork also saw past the challenge of a Galway based side; Mervue United their opposition, by a scoreline of three goals to nil. A vital ingredient for Dunne’s men, will be the form of Graham Cummins. Cummins, who is the leading scorer in the First Division at the minute, having scored eight goals thus far.

Lims will look to maintain their excellent defensive record once again. Pat Scully’s side has the best defensive record in the division, conceding only six goals in twelve games. Cork have the best attacking record on the other hand, averaging two goals per game. The teams look very well matched in terms of statistics, but something will have to give on Monday night. Jackman Park was a favourite away trip amongst the Cork fans last year; their two trips there, got them six points, scoring six goals in the process. Their first game this season was played at Turners Cross back in March, City winning it one-nil.

Limerick will welcome to return of Chris Breen to full fitness, while Stephen O’Flynn is still a doubt. The Mallow-born striker is suffering from an injury picked up in their one-nil win against Waterford United. This will surely be a massive boost to the “Rebel Army” ahead of their trip to Shannonside.

City will welcome back winger Derek O’Brien, who trained last week, has been declared fit by manager Tommy Dunne. It was in fact his goal back in March that sealed the win for Cork in Turners Cross. His speed and intelligence is a massive boost for the away side.

Tommy Dunne spoke to CorkCityFC.net and commented that “Limerick have won four out of their last five league games and are probably the form team in the division right now. Although it’s still early in the season, and this game will not decide anything, it is still an important fixture and we will be looking for a good performance and a positive result. We have been on a good run ourselves, we are still unbeaten, and we want to continue that on Monday night.”

Limerick FC
Injured: None
Doubtful: Stephen O’Flynn, Shane Tracy.
Suspended: None
Cork City:
Injured: Shaun None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None


Referee: John McLoughlin

PaddyPower Odds: Limerick 7/5 Draw 21/10 Cork 17/10

Extratime Prediction: Another Cork win on Shannonside; 0-1.