League Preview: Cork City -v- Finn Harps

• Dave Donnelly
• Fri, May 05 2017




CORK CITY

Cork City look to maintain their flawless record as they begin the second round of fixtures at home to Finn Harps on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

 

City polished off their eleventh opponent of the season in the form of Bray Wanderers last week, surviving a late fightback to overcome the Seagulls 2-1.

 

Sean Maguire scored the game's first goal, his ninth of the season, from the penalty spot before captain John Dunleavy made it two three minutes from time.

 

Derek Foran pulled one back for the visitors in added time but John Caulfield's side haven't opened up a 12-point lead by surrendering victories and City hung on for the win.

 

“Every week throws up different challenges for us and we are well aware of what a fantastic job Ollie Horgan has done at Finn Harps over the last few years,” Caulfield said at City's weekly news conference.

 

“Harps were everyone’s favourites to go down last year and Ollie arguably could have got manager of the year for the job he did there.

 

“Last season, they were a well-organised, resilient side but they have added attacking options to the side this season and it has helped them get some excellent results already this year.

 

“This year, Harps have won away to Pat’s and Derry, and also beaten Sligo, so they are in a good mid-table position and they are upsetting the odds again! Every time we play Harps, they are fully committed with a great work ethic.

 

“You could see, in the opening game of the season, that we came away with a hard-fought one nil win. We know they will play on the counter attack and we will have to be at our best to pick up the three points.”

 

Garry Buckley and Alan Bennett are both absent through injury while John Kavanagh is a doubt and will be assessed closer to kick-off.

 

 

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps sit just one point and one place above the relegation zone following last week's 2-0 defeat to Bohemians at Dalymount Park.

 

Barry Molloy was sent off for two yellow cards while manager Ollie Horgan was sent to the stands as Harps finished the first round of games in disappointing fashion.

 

Horgan saw his side put up a stronger performance on the opening day at home to City as they lost to a sole Sean Maguire goal, but knows they're a different outfit at home.

 

“Cork have done brilliantly this season,” Horgan said.

 

“They have been a great side and if Dundalk hadn’t been there then they could be going for four league titles in a row instead.

 

“John Caufield has done a great job. Season on season, Cork has got better. 13 straight wins shows the tremendous ability of their team.

 

“Nobody gives us a chance going down to Turners Cross but we’ll prepare as we always do. We’ll give it everything and see where that brings us.”

 

Harps travelled to Dalymount with just 16 available players, and will likely be down to 14 in Cork as Molloy is suspended and Eddie Dsane has picked up a back injury.

 

BJ Banda is a long-term absentee, Packie Mailey and Harry Doherty miss out following their clash of heads against Sligo, while Jonny Bonner and Danny Morrissey have hamstring issues.

 

Ciaran O'Connor is fit after making his return against Bohs, Paddy McCourt is managing a hip injury while Michael Funston may be fit to play some part.

 

 

Referee: Neil Doyle

 

 

MATCH STATS

Cork City have won each of their 14 competitive games this season (not counting the President's Cup) and 15 in succession including last season's cup final.

 

Friday's game will be the 40^th time the teams meet in all competitions and the 19^th to take place in Cork.

 

Of the 39 played, City have won 25 and Harps four, while ten have ended all-square.

 

The sides met three times in the Premier Division last season, with City winning all three at an aggregate score of 6-1, while the opening day's meeting finished 1-0 to the Leesiders.

 

 

BETTING

Cork City 2/13; Draw 11/2; Finn Harps 18/1.

 

PREDICTION

Cork City 2 – 0 Finn Harps

 

 

Cork City

Injured: Alan Bennett, Garry Buckley.

Doubtful: John Kavanagh.

Suspended: None.

 

Finn Harps

Injured: BJ Banda, Jonny Bonner, Harry Doherty, Packie Mailey, Danny Morrissey.

Doubtful: Michael Funston, Paddy McCourt.

Suspended: Barry Molloy.