League Preview: Dundalk -v- Cork City

• Josh Dolan
• Thu, Oct 23 2014




Dundalk

The Lilywhites head into Friday night’s title decider at Oriel Park knowing that only a win will see them crowned SSE Airtricity Premier Division Champions.

 

Stephen Kenny’s side conceded top spot to Friday’s opponent’s Cork City, when they played out a disappointing 1-1 draw away to Bray Wanderers last week.

 

Lilywhites Boss, Stephen Kenny admits that he’s really looking forward to Friday night’s vital fixture, and is determine to come out on the right side of the result in what could be the club’s most important victory for a number of years.

 

“It’s tremendous incentive, it’s a brilliant motivation for all involved.” Kenny explained to dundalkfc.com.

 

“It’s fantastic. Night’s like this. It’s a special night for the league and we want to make sure we’re on the right side of it.”

 

Dundalk defender, Andy Boyle is confident that having players like Stephen O’Donnell who have experience in winning league titles will help the team get over the line on Friday night, in what will be a sold out Oriel Park.

 

"We have guys who have been here before and done it. We have guys who know how to win trophies which is a good help and that but it’s all down to us on the night and we are all looking forward to the game,” Boyle told dundalkfc.com.

 

Boyle, who arrived at Oriel Park, from Shelbourne, back in 2012 has praised the Dundalk faithful for their support this campaign, and the centre-half is hopeful that having the league decider at Oriel Park will prove an advantage.

 

“We are at home and the fans have been brilliant all year. They really have. They have given us great support through the year and to have the final day and the big game at Oriel Park is fantastic.”

 

Dundalk will be without David McMillan, who continues to suffer with an ankle injury; while defender Simon Kelly is a doubt for the title decider as he has a calf problem.

 

 

Cork City

City travel to Oriel Park on Friday night with the knowledge that achieving a draw against Stephen Kenny’s Dundalk will be enough to see them lift The SSE Airtricity League title.

 

The Rebels took top spot in the Premier Division last Friday, when a Billy Dennehy free kick helped City to see of Bohemians at Turner’s Cross.

 

Cork Boss John Caulfield cites hard work and togetherness throughout the season as the reasons for his side still having a real opportunity to win the Premier Division, heading into the last game of the season.

 

“There is great credit due to the lads who have shown a tremendous attitude, great desire and worked so hard. Between the players and the crowd they kept the whole thing going, and now we are down to the last match with everything to play for, which is a fantastic situation,” Caulfield told the assembled press during the club’s weekly press conference, at The Cork international hotel.

 

The 50 year old has also praised his players’ true will and determination, which he believes has led to his team scoring important, late goals to drag the team over the line and ultimately take the title race to the final game of the season.

 

“From the start of matches to the end, we have fought very hard; we’ve had a small bit of luck, we’ve had a tremendous amount of drive and determination in the team, hence those late winners. I just had a gut feeling that we might get to this situation and there is great credit due to the lads.”

 

Although Caulfield insists that he has made no conclusions, he believes that if his side are at their best they’ll be in with a huge chance of being Premier Division Champions come ten o’clock on Friday night.


 

“We know it will be very difficult; we know we need to give a top performance up there which we are well capable of doing. I believe that if we do that, then we will win the league. If we give a top performance and they are better than us, then we will shake their hands and congratulate them.”

 

Michael Rafter and Danny Morrissey are both ruled out of Friday’s all or nothing clash through injury; full-back Ross Gaynor is a major doubt for the tie; Gearóid Morrissey’s fitness will be assessed closer to kick-off ; while Josh O’Shea is likely return for the game after recovering from an injury.

 

 

Referee: Neil Doyle.


 

MATCH STATS

The last time City avoided defeat at Oriel Park was back in August of 2012, when a goal from Ian Turner helped The Rebels to a point.

 

Dundalk are unbeaten at home this season and have only dropped points at home on four occasions.

 

Cork’s last league defeat, on the road came in a 2-0 defeat, away to Bohemians back in late July.


 

BETTING

Dundalk 10/11; Draw 9/4; Cork City 3/1.

 

PREDICTION

Dundalk 1-1 Cork City.


 

Dundalk

Injured: David McMillan.
Doubtful:  Simon Kelly.

Suspended: None.

 

Cork City

Injured: Michael Rafter, Danny Morrissey.

Doubtful:Ross Gaynor, Gearóid Morrissey, Josh O’Shea.

Suspended: None.