19.45 31 Aug 2015 -
Referee: Neil Doyle
League Preview: Cork City -v- St. Patrick's Athletic
- Gareth O'Reilly
- Mon, Aug 31 2015
St Patrick’s Athletic take on Cork City tonight for the second time in less than two weeks as Turner’s Cross once again hosts some Monday night football.
CORK CITY
Friday night’s win over Galway United meant that Cork were the only team in the top half of the table to pick up maximum points over the weekend.
The last time these side’s met was in the FAI Cup and City emerged on the right end of an emphatic four goal win as Liam Buckley’s men lost down south. Another defeat last weekend has meant that Cork’s opponents are on a three game losing streak but manager John Caulfield knows that his side will have to once again be at their best in order to pick up the three points.
“It’s a huge game for us and a very tight turnaround from Friday. Dan Murray and Steven Beattie are suspended and we still have a number of injury issues, but winning on Friday night gave all the boys a buzz and we know how important a game this is.
“It’s a game against one of our top four rivals, and we will need to play very well; it’s a six pointer really. We know how difficult it will be; in the cup game, they were the better side in the first half but we were much better in the second half and deservedly won the match.”
The former Avondale manager believes that three points for his side would mean that Europe is secured for another season which at the start of the campaign would have been the number one goal for the Cork boss.
“We could nearly box off Europe if we got the right result, but if Pat’s win, they’re right back in it. From that point of view, I’m not really concerned about anything other than can we get the three points tomorrow night.”
Big crowds have to some extent become a trademark of Cork’s league campaign ever since Caulfield was unveiled as first team manager and in speaking ahead of the game he was determined to pay tribute those very supporters.
“The noise levels on Friday night were fantastic. Having another home game so soon is tough on people’s pockets, but hopefully we will have good numbers again tomorrow night. What we want is a vocal crowd. We had two and a half thousand in the ground on Friday and the atmosphere was incredible, because they knew the importance of the game.
“Particularly as the second half wore on, they knew it was vital for us to get the three points and the volume was great. Hopefully they will come out in big numbers, and for the supporters coming tomorrow, we need them to be vocal and hopefully we can deliver the three points, which I think we are capable of doing.”
In terms of team news Dan Murray and Steven Beattie both miss out through suspension, while the trio of John Dunleavy, John Kavanagh and Gavan Holohan are all ruled out through injury.
With Cork having to play a high number of games in recent weeks it is no wonder they have such an injury hit squad with Danny Morrissey and Darren Dennehy both listed as doubtful while keeper Mark McNulty picked up a heavy knock last time out against Galway and may not be fit to resume his place between the sticks.
ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC
Pats were defeated during their last trip to the Rebel county, but it will have been the recent defeat to Derry City that will have worried Liam Buckley more.
That alongside the fact that Chris Forrester has now departed for Peterborough means that the Saints will be viewing this as a tough but winnable encounter.
"We were disappointed with Friday's defeat against Derry City so we travel to Cork on Monday looking to bounce back," said Buckley when he spoke with stpatsfc.com ahead of the rearranged fixture.
After receiving a drubbing at the hands of Caulfield’s side, the Pats boss will be taking no chances this time round and expects his side to put in a much improved performance.
"We know it will be a very tough game in Cork as John's team are playing well lately and they showed that against us recently. If you don't perform well, they can easily turn you over so we need to be concentrated for 90 minutes and put in a good performance."
In team news, Christy Fagan and Ian Morris are both ruled out due to injury while Aaron Greene will be joining them in the stands after the Saints attacker is set to serve a suspension.
Referee: Neil Doyle.
MATCH FACTS
The Saints have only lost twice to Cork in their last ten league meetings.
Cork are well used to playing in Turner’s Cross in recent weeks as this game makes it their fourth competitive home game in the month of August.
Only Dundalk have scored more away league goals this year than Pats.
BETTING
Cork City 5/4; Draw 12/5; St Patrick’s Athletic 2/1.
PREDICTION
Cork City 1-1 St Patrick’s Athletic.
Cork City
Injured: John Dunleavy, John Kavanagh and Gavan Holohan.
Doubtful: Danny Morrissey and Darren Dennehy.
Suspended: Dan Murray, Steven Beattie.
St Patrick's Athletic
Injured: Christy Fagan, Ian Morris.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Aaron Greene.
About Gareth O'Reilly
Gareth is the Editor of Extratime.ie. Gareth began as a normal reporter covering games all over Dublin before being asked to help out with behind the scene activities and eventually moving into the role of …