Credit:
Waterford United -v- Cork City
- Brendan White
- Thu, Apr 07 2011
Cork City put their unbeaten start to the season on the line this Friday evening when they face Waterford United at the RSC in the first Munster derby in the league this season. Kick-off 7.45pm.
Waterford United began the season slowly with a home draw against Athlone Town and defeat to Monaghan United, but wins at home to Finn Harps and away to Salthill Devon have put their season back on track.
The Blues have no injuries or suspensions for the game. Speaking ahead of the game, Blues manager Stephen Henderson was happy with his side’s performance last weekend but knows that they must continue to perform at a high level.
"The improvement was evident last week, and in the space of eight days the lads have played three games, winning all three. I don't feel the 2-0 scoreline reflected the amount of chances the lads created, though Murph [Paul Murphy] and Conor [Sinnott] produced two stunning goals in Salthill."
"We need consistent performers every week, so the lads who currently have the jersey must maintain high levels of performance every week to keep it. It's important the lads don't get caught up in the Derby occasion but focus purely on the three points on offer.”
The away side come into the game on the back of 2-2 draw at home to Monaghan United with an 83rd minute equaliser from Davin O’Neill, following home wins against Limerick and Wexford Youths, but they have only managed draws away to both Athlone Town and Mervue United.
Dunne has injury doubts over captain Greg O’Halloran (ankle) and defender Gavin Kavanagh (back) ahead of the tie, while Stephen Mulcahy will be sidelined for another week or two after suffering a minor setback in his recovery from a long-term injury. Alan Carey (Achilles) will also miss out.
Looking ahead to the game, City boss Tommy Dunne knows it will be a tough task and he will need his side at their best to come away with a result. “We are expecting an extremely difficult game. While we did win there recently in the Munster Senior Cup, both sides were in pre-season at that point and we have both improved since then. We’ve watched Waterford a couple of times, just as they have watched us, and while they started the season slowly, they have improved and I expect this to be our toughest test so far.”
Waterford United striker Willie John Kiely will pass the 50-goal mark if he nets a goal in the game. On the opposing side, strikers Graham Cummins and Vinny Sullivan look set to face their old clubs once again.
Waterford United
Injured: None
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Cork City
Injured: Stephen Mulcahy, Alan Carey.
Doubtful: Greg O’Halloran (ankle), Gavin Kavanagh (back)
Suspended: None.
Referee: Rob Rogers.
Paddypower.com Odds: Waterford United 5/4, Draw 21/10, Cork City 15/8.
Extratime.ie Prediction: An entertaining 2-2 draw.
About Brendan White
Brendan White is Extratime News Editor and is responsible for the news section of Extratime.ie. Brendan also covers matches in Dublin and Waterford. You can contact Brendan on twitter @whitebrendan.