League Preview: Cork City -v- Shamrock Rovers

• Josh Dolan
• Thu, Sep 04 2014




CORK CITY

City are without a win in their last four games and Caulfield admits that it’s his job to get his players  playing with confidence again, while the Cork boss also believes the support of the Cork City faithful is also essential to get his team playing well once again.

 

“When you are on a tricky run and the confidence of the team is maybe down a bit, it is my job to build it up and hopefully the supporters can get behind us and give us a lift.”

 

The Munster outfit are well known for their heart on sleeve performances and Caulfield believes that that sort of attitude and belief will help his side achieve success this season.

 

“We have to get back to our true values of working hard, being honest and giving our supporters everything.”

 

The Cork boss believes that there is no better way to recover from a slump than beating Pat Fenlon’s Hoops on Friday night. Caulfield is looking forward to the game and is hopeful of another sizeable crowd at Turner’s Cross.

 

“You’re in the run-in now and there is a lot of extra pressure; you have to deal with that and what better way than playing Shamrock Rovers on Friday night? They have a new manager in place and he has obviously geed them up a bit, and they have got a few good results, but I am hoping that we will get another huge crowd.”

 

With Caulfield’s men lying second in the table and European football still a massive prospect in the rebel county the Cork boss insists that his charges must work tirelessly to ensure the season is a memorable on at Turners Cross.

 

“We have had a fantastic run this season and it is up to us to keep our feet on the ground, work as hard as we can and make sure that, come the end of the season, we have delivered; whether that is a league title or European qualification, we need to make sure that we get something out of the season,” Caulfield insisted.

 

A hamstring injury means Billy Dennehy is a doubt for the visit of his former club. Rob Lehane is progressing well after injury but Friday’s tie will come too quickly for him. Michael Rafter and Michael McSweeney are also out with respective injuries.

 

SHAMROCK ROVERS

The Hoops travel south looking to overtake St Patrick’s Athletic and claim third place in The SSE Airtricity league Premier Division.

 

Rovers manager, Pat Fenlon, is an admirer of the work John Caulfield has done at Turner’s Cross, and believes that it’ll be tough for his team achieve a result down in Cork, on Friday night.

 

“It’s never been an easy place to go and that is certainly the case at the moment. John has done a great job down there and they are second in the league for good reason,” Fenlon explained.

 

Fenlon believes that the teams are under very different pressures, as City can’t afford to drop anymore points if they want to catch league leaders Dundalk, while The Hoops know that they must keep picking up points if they’re to catch Dublin rivals St Pat’s in third.

 

“They will be thinking that they have to keep pushing on and can’t afford to drop points, while we’re looking to get closer and closer to those ahead of us. “

 

Ryan Brennan and David O’Connor will miss the trip to Turner’s Cross with respective injuries, however the duo are due back in training next week.

 

Referee: Paul Tuite.

 

 

MATCH STATS

Cork have conceded just 21 goals this season. That’s fewer than any other premier Division outfit.

 

The last time City faced an outfit managed by Pat Fenlon was a 2-0 defeat to Bohemians back in 2009.

 

City’s 2-1 loss to Dundalk in early August was the Rebel’s only home defeat in the league this season.

 

 

BETTING

Cork City 8/5; Draw 11/5; Shamrock Rovers 13/8.

 

PREDICTION

Cork 1-1 Shamrock Rovers

 

 

Cork City

Injured: Michael Rafter, Rob Lehane, Michael McSweeney.

Doubtful: Billy Dennehy.

Suspended: None.

 

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: David O’Connor, Ryan Brennan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.