League Preview: Cork City -v- Derry City

• Andrew Dempsey
• Fri, Oct 27 2023




CORK CITY

Cork City boss Richie Holland wants his side to become harder to beat when they host Derry City tonight (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Leesiders sit six points behind Sligo Rovers in the league table with just three games left to play.

But if Sligo win any of their last three games, Holland’s side would be all but set for a relegation play-off place.

“Derry are flying,” Richie Holland told the Cork Echo.

“It's just about preparing over the next couple of days and I'm getting the recovery right and pushing on then into the weekend and we will have a good look at Derry.

“We just need to get consistency in terms of the performances and be harder to beat.

“I just feel that in certain games that we've been conceding sloppy goals and we've been a little bit too easy to score against.

“We take positives from today and hopefully that can put us in good stead going forward.”

DERRY CITY

Ruaidhri Higgins has called on Derry City to cement their European place when they take on Cork City this evening.

The Candystripes draw against Shelbourne last weekend has all but ended their slim league title hopes.

“I’m extremely disappointed that we’re sitting here and not in the title mix going into the last couple of matches” Higgins said this week.

“It’s been a frustrating year with some difficult times but also plenty of positives, especially during the European run.

“We want more of that, which is why we have to go down here and get the job done this weekend.

“Qualifying for European competition is the minimum expectation at this club, but we know that Cork will make it very difficult for us.

“There’s plenty to play for on both sides. They’re fighting for their lives to avoid the play-off and we’re looking to cement a European place so that’s the challenge facing us.”

Sadou Diallo is suspended and Jamie McGonigle is a doubt for the game. Colm Whelan and Ciaron Harkin remain long-term absentees.

Referee: Damien MacGraith.

 

PREDICTION

Cork City 1-0 Derry City

 

Cork City

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

 

Derry City

Injured: Colm Whelan, Ciaron Harkin.

Doubtful: Jamie McGonigle.

Suspended: Sadou Diallo.

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