League Preview: Cork City -v- Drogheda United

• John O'Shea
• Thu, Oct 02 2014




CORK CITY  

Cork City will be hoping to draw level on points with league leaders Dundalk, when they face Drogheda United at Turners Cross on Friday evening.

 

City won 2-1 against Sligo at home last time out and as the title race heads into the final stages, the Leesiders have won their last three games in a row.

 

Speaking ahead of the game, City manager John Caulfield is confident that his players can go out and do what is required of them.

 

“It’s another huge game for us. We’ve probably been a pain in the backside for people, because we’re still there and we’ve hung in there all season even though we’ve been written off all year. We’re the only team that can give Dundalk a run for it; if we can keep our feet on the ground, give another good performance on Friday night and get another result, then we can keep the pressure on them.”

 

“It’s a fantastic situation for the lads themselves and fantastic for the club; that we maybe might get to the situation where we may go up to Dundalk for the last game of the season with the possibility of the league being at stake. It would surprise a lot of people, because no-one has given us one iota of a chance and it just shows the character of the players and what they have done this year. The players have stepped up their performances because the pressure has been on them; they have delivered and you have to admire that.”

 

John O’Flynn has struggled with a knock this week, while Josh O’Shea missed training earlier in the week through illness, but Caulfield is hopeful that both will be available for selection. Long-term injury victim Michael Rafter is still sidelined, while Colin Healy misses out through suspension.

 

 

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United will be hoping to put a major dent in Cork City’s title hopes, when they travel to Turners Cross tomorrow night.

 

The game will be an interesting occasion for Damien Richardson, who managed City to a Premier Division title and a FAI Cup during his time in charge from 2005-2007.

 

It will be Richardson’s first time managing in Turners Cross since he left Cork City and he is looking forward to tomorrow night’s game.

 

“It will be highly unusual for me to be in the opposition dugout in Turners Cross but it is the top venue for football in the country. It’s a fantastic stadium and with Cork City flying high in the table, there will be a huge crowd and that will only add to the occasion. I think the team is looking forward to it as much as I am but given my time there, I know what a torrid place it can be when players don’t perform.”

 

Drogheda drew with Bray last week, however they still are within touching distance of Sligo in 5th place.

 

In United’s team news, Peter McGlynn will serve the final match of his suspension . Gary O’Neill is also a slight doubt for Drogheda as he continues his recovery from a groin injury.

Referee:   David Mckeon


 

MATCH STATS

Cork City have won both of the league encounters between the sides this season.

 

Drogheda manager Damien Richardson won the Premier Division title with Cork City in 2005, the last time the Leesiders won the league.

 

Heading into the game, Cork have a goal difference of +22

 

BETTING   

Cork City   1/2 ; Draw 14/5 ;  Drogheda United 11/2.

 

PREDICTION     

Cork City 2-0  Drogheda United


 

Cork City

Injured: Michael Rafter

Doubtful: John O’Flynn, Josh O’Shea

Suspended:  Colin Healy

 

Drogheda United

Injured:None

Doubtful:  Gary O’Neil

Suspended:  Peter McGlynn