Preview: Saints V Cork

  • Fri, Jul 27, 2007 @ 8:08

Saint Patrick's Athletic may have slipped a little off the pace in recent weeks - losing their top spot in the League of Ireland at the same time - but they go into Friday's home game with Cork City still boasting one of the best home records in the division. Cork City are still looking to get back into the title picture and are unbeaten in their last five league games.

Having met three times already this year, the Saints won the first two meetings - in the Setanta Sports Cup - while Cork City won 1-0 when the sides met at Turner's Cross in the league in early May. Both sides drew 0-0 in their last league games. Cork were frustrated at home by Drogheda and while the Saints had the chance of the night they played out a fairly even draw with Shamrock Rovers on Monday night.

St. Pats have a European trip to Odense ahead of them next week but with the title race still well and truly alive manager John McDonnell won't want his side to be distracted. Cork City still look well placed to mount a challenge and although they are seven points behind the second placed Saints, they have two games in hand on the Dublin side.

The Saints go into the game having won seven of their nine home league games to date while Cork have scored more goals away from home than at the Cross.

Colm Foley, Joseph Ndo and Gary O'Neill are all still out with knee injuries for the Saints. Alan Kirby could return after missing the last couple of games while Stephen Paisley is a doubt having gone off injured against Shamrock Rovers on Monday night.

Long term injury victim Colm Carroll remains out for Cork while Brian O'Callaghan continues his recovery from injury and will again feature for the club's under-21 side at the weekend. John O'Flynn has been ruled out by a hamstring problem and City's attacking options may be seriously limited if Roy O'Donovan and Liam Kearney fail late fitness tests. O'Donovan pulled up with a hamstring problem prior to Sunday's draw with Drogheda with Kearney struggling with an ankle injury. Although struggling with a recurrence of the abdominal muscle injury which saw him miss games, Darragh Ryan may still play.

In a change from recent games Cork City boss Damien Richardson has not described Friday's game as the "most important of the season", instead saying "This is a big game for us, but it is a fact that every game from now until the end of the season is likely to be so. It is a daunting challenge to go to Inchicore to face Pats when they are on such a good run, but it is a challenge we will look forward to. The injuries we have are unfortunate, but they are part and parcel of football, and I have no doubt whatsoever that my players will show the necessary hunger, desire and commitment that I expect from them."

Richardson is hoping the fans support will lift his side for the game, "I have no doubt that my players will apply themselves with the necessary diligence, and that we will have a large travelling support. The backing of the Rebel Army from the stands has been excellent, and no doubt will be the same again tomorrow."


Next Fixture

Drogheda United / March 29th @ 7:45pm
Competition: League
Venue: Weavers Park
 
Team Pld Pts
Shelbourne616
Derry City611
Sligo Rovers69
Waterford FC68
Galway United FC67
Bohemian FC57
Shamrock Rovers56
St Patrick's Athletic66
Drogheda United54
Dundalk52