Limerick FC -v- Cork City FORAS co-op

• Andrew Cunneen
• Thu, Sep 16 2010


Jackman Park plays host to a Munster derby this weekend as Limerick entertain Cork City FORAS Co-Op on Shannonside this Friday night. (Kickoff 7.45 pm)

Pat Scully’s side have had a mixed bag in terms of performances and results lately, drawing one all in their last encounter, in Ballybofey against Finn Harps. Cork saw off the challenge of Mervue United at Turners Cross last Friday after a somewhat unconvincing performance. However, a win for either side here will really bolster their promotion push.

Limerick who have been solid at home all year, are a tough side to break down and don’t lack attacking options up front with the pace of John Tierney and the ever-present threat from Stephen O’Flynn. It’s this very aspect on which Pat Scully is focusing on for Friday. In an interview with the Limerick Post, the Limerick boss highlighted his main worry. “We have another six-pointer this weekend against Cork City, who are in the mix for a playoff spot themselves. We need to be more clinical in front of goal in what will be a very tight Munster derby and chances will have to be taken.”

Optimism springs from the opposite dugout, while Cork boss Tommy Dunne knows Limerick are a good side, he believes in his sides ability. Speaking to CorkCityFC.net he said “Our form over the last couple of months has been good, we’ve won seven of our last nine league games, and that has put us within touching distance of a play-off place, so it is important for us to keep that momentum going. It’s a big game for both sides, and we will be looking to get a result that will keep us in the hunt for third place.”



Greg O'Halloran is a doubt for the game (Image by Fergus McNally)


Limericks centre half partnership of Paddy Purcell and Dave Rogers will be split on Friday evening as both will be serving a one match ban for four yellow cards. As Cork may see this as an opportunity to capitalize, Limerick may have struck lucky as leading goalscorer Graham Cummins may have to come through a late fitness test. Cummins isn’t the only doubt unfortunately for the visitors, as Greg O’Halloran, Stephen Mulcahy, Cathal Lordan and Gavin Kavanagh are all doubts for the clash in Limerick.

Limerick have no major injury worries and will be boosted by the return of eighteen year old starlet David O’Leary, who has been somewhat of a revelation since joining from Cork based College Corinthians back in the summer. The young midfielder may feature again on Friday, as he did making his debut in Turners Cross earlier in the year.

Limerick have just about edged the results this year so far. Cork won the first game in Jackman Park by three goals to one, while Limerick went to Cork in the league and won two-one. The Blues also won by three goals to nil in the EA Sports Cup back in April. In a tightly contested fixture, the winners may take the result in their stride and push on for the coveted playoff spot.

Limerick FC:
Injured: None
Suspended: Dave Rogers, Paddy Purcell.
Doubtful: None

Cork City Foras Co-Op:
Injured: Stephen Mulcahy, Cathal Lordan.
Suspended: Shane Duggan.
Doubtful: Graham Cummins, Gavin Kavanagh, Greg O’Halloran.

Referee: J. McKell.
PaddyPower.com Odds: Limerick – Evens, Draw – 9/4, Cork 9/4.
Extratime.ie Prediction: The Leesiders to knick it, 1-0.