League Preview: Cork City -v- UCD

• John O'Shea
• Fri, Jul 18 2014




CORK CITY 

Cork City will be hoping for a return to the top of the table, when they host UCD on Friday night at Turners Cross.

 

Last Friday night, City recorded a 1-0 away win over Drogheda United thanks to a late volley from Gary Buckley.

 

Cork go into Friday’s game with UCD unbeaten in seven games in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.  The last occasion they were defeated was back in May to St Pats. Caulfield’s side are proving many doubters, who thought that they would be unable to build on their great start, wrong as they have played some wonderful football at times this season and they are getting the results that matter.

 

Speaking ahead of Friday night’s game, Caulfield is hoping that there will be a continuation to their challenge at the top of the league table and he described how important the game with UCD will be.

 

 “We need to stay in there; there are games coming up now where we need to pick up full points. We all know there are big games coming down the line, but if you drop points before them, you will start to drop down the table and drop out of the running.”  Said Caulfield.

 

Captain John Dunleavy is suspended for Friday night as he is serving a one match ban.  

 

Darren Murphy (dislocated shoulder) is set to be out on the rest of the season, joining Michael Rafter on the long-term injury list. Dan Murray returns from suspension. Gearóid Morrissey (ankle) is ruled out. Rob Lehane (arm) returns after missing the Drogheda game.

 

City have doubts over defender Gavin Kavanagh (ankle) and left back Iarfhlath Davoren (hamstring) and Caulfield will monitor the situation between now and kick off.

 

UCD

UCD make the trip to Cork on Friday night in a positive frame of mind, following their 1-0 home win over Sligo Rovers last time out through a Samir Belhout goal.

 

Since the victory over Sligo, UCD also beat English League One side Bradford City 3-2 in a friendly. Robbie Creevy, Conor Cannon and Toyeed Mustapha got the goals in what should be another confidence boost for the Students heading into the game with Cork.

 

The Students have caused problems for Cork City in the past   and   they will be hoping to cause a second surprise result in succession in the league, when they head down to Turners Cross.

 

Manager Aaron Callaghan is hoping his side can secure another positive result against one of the form sides in the league.

 

“I thought we played very well on Sunday against Sligo. We managed to limit the number of chances they had and we looked dangerous ourselves going forward. It was a big positive as well to start turning good performances into positive results. It gives us a solid basis ahead of Friday’s game against Cork and we will be looking to continue our good run of form.”

 

In team news, Dean Clarke and Chris Mulhall are out injured while there are doubts over Ian Ryan and Mark Langtry.

 

Referee:  James   Mc Kell

 

MATCH STATS 

UCD’s Conor Cannon (who made his league debut in the Students’ 1-0 win over Sligo last Sunday) previously played for Cork City’s Under 19 team.

UCD’s top scorer in the league this season is Cillian Morrison, who recently signed for the Rebel Army. The Letterkenny native has scored four league goals so far this term.

The last eight ties between the sides at Turner’s Cross have all been won by Cork City.

 

BETTING   

Cork City 2/7; Draw 7/2; UCD 11/1

 

PREDICTION    

Cork City 3-1 UCD

 

Cork City:

Injured: Michael Rafter, Darren Murphy

Doubtful:  Iarfhlaith Davoren, Gavin Kavanagh, and Gearóid Morrissey

Suspended:  John Dunleavy

 

UCD

Injured:  Dean Clarke, Chris Mulhall

Doubtful:  Mark Langtry, Ian Ryan

Suspended: None