Credit:
Cork City -v- Sligo Rovers
- Alan Finn
- Thu, Apr 19 2012
CORK CITY
Following their first victory of the season in a 6-0 win over Monaghan United last week, Cork City will be hoping to build on this when League leaders Sligo Rovers come to town on Friday evening.
Jamie Murphy (ankle) and John Dunleavy (knee) are both doubtful. Neal Horgan, Stephen Mulcahy and Kevin Murray are all still recovering from long-term injuries, but Mulcahy and Murray have recently returned to training which will be a boost to Tommy Dunne's side.
Speaking to CorkCityFc.net, Dunne says that he is aware of the challenge ahead on Friday, but feels his team stand a good chance of getting a result if they continue the progress they've been making on their game.
“Sligo have had an excellent start to the season, and are the early pace-setters, so we know they will provide tough opposition. I watched their game against Derry, and they have quality all over pitch. From our point of view, it is good to be playing quality opposition who will challenge us and help us to improve.
“We have to make sure that we are not gung ho in our approach, but that we are positive at the same time and look to pick up three points. If we keep progressing and working on our game, then we will give ourselves an opportunity to compete.”
SLIGO ROVERS
Sligo Rovers will be looking to bounce back from a 2-0 defeat to Crusaders in the Setanta Sports Cup earlier this week and continue their push to stay on top of the table.
Rovers are sweating over the fitness of centre-back Jason McGuinness who took a heavy knock in Monday's defeat and will be assessed on Friday morning. In more positive news Joseph Ndo has recovered from the knock he picked up against Derry City on Friday and Pascal Millien is in contention to make his first appearance for his new side.
Speaking to sligorovers.com, manager Ian Baraclough is taking the positives of his sides unbeaten League run into this game.
“We’re still unbeaten in the league and top of the table so we take those positives into the game. We were beaten against Crusaders in a tough match in difficult conditions in which I mean on a pitch that probably suited the home side more.
“They played those conditions very well. People expect you to win every game when you have a good start and maybe in a way the defeat will be a good thing because expectations have to be realistic for the numbers we have. We feel the tie is still very much alive for next week and at The Showgrounds it could be a different proposition. It is something we’re looking forward to.
“It was a disappointment but the players are keen for Friday night because we have got a bunch of characters that hate losing. It hurts them and they will want the chance to get back to it. I saw in the dressing-room after the Crusaders game and in training this week. I’ll be looking for an improvement and we’ll be in good spirits travelling down to Cork.”
Referee: Neil Doyle.
MATCH STATS
This is the first time both sides have met since 29th September, 2009 when they played out a 0-0 draw in a League encounter at Turners Cross.
Sligo Rovers haven't come away from Cork with three points since 3rd August, 2007 when a Faz Kuduzovic free-kick proved to be the deciding goal in a 2-1 win for the visitors. Adam Hughes opened the scoring before Roy O'Donovan equalised for the Rebels.
All of Cork City's goals have been at home this season and have yet to find the back of the net in an away game. Sligo Rovers have scored four times on the road so far.
BETTING
Cork City 7/2; Draw 12/5; Sligo Rovers 4/5.
PREDICTION
It is a hard one to call, with Sligo Rovers looking to bounce back from defeat and remain on top of the table while Cork will look to build on their first win of the season. I feel the away side will scrape a win in this one. Cork City 0-1 Sligo Rovers.
Cork City Injury News: Stephen Mulcahy, Kevin Murray, Neal Horgan, Jamie Murphy(doubt), John Dunleavy (doubt).
Cork City Suspension News: None.
Sligo Rovers Injury News: Jason McGuinness (doubt)
Sligo Rovers Suspension News: None.
