Ger Nash believes Cork City in a better place than ever to pull off great escape

Cork City manager Ger Nash. Pic: Ryan Byrne, Inpho

Cork City require something remarkable to avoid relegation, but manager Ger Nash believes they are in a better position than any stage this season to do so.

The Leesiders have stabilised after a 14-game winless streak with four wins and two draws in their last seven. Yet, the gap to Galway United and Sligo Rovers remains stuck at eight points after all three sides drew on Friday.

With their relegation rivals to face off at Eamonn Deacy Park, City have a chance to make up some ground if they can get a result away to St Pat’s. The pair will meet again in the FAI Cup semi-final on Friday week.

“We have to believe, and we have to win games. That's the reality of it,” said Nash.

“But you can clearly see from how the group are fighting that we've got a better chance of that than possibly any other stage in the season, with the form that we're in.

“We know we need to get nine more points than the two teams above us, so that's what we have to go after.” 

When they last played Pat’s, it ended in a dull 0-0 draw for City’s first clean sheet of the season. Since then, Stephen Kenny’s side have stepped up a gear. In the subsequent 15 games, their only losses have come against Turkish giants Besiktas.

“They're in a rich vein of form,” said Nash. “When we played them recently, they weren't as dangerous in front of goal as they are now. They're really threatening in that regard. They've some really good players, no doubt about it.

“It's obvious we need a positive result. We're not thinking about the Cup at all. We're thinking about the league, simple as that.” 

Friday’s stoppage-time draw against Shamrock Rovers boosted their hopes. Nash senses more unity behind the players.

“It's a really big week. The players just need to rest and recover now, because they're putting in a huge effort.

“I'm really pleased for them and proud of them, because it's been a tough time since I came to the club.

“But I heard the fans at the end, and it was probably the loudest I've heard them since I've been here, and the players deserve that respect for their performance.” 

Nash hailed Friday’s hero Crowley for his impact. The utility player has accumulated more minutes this season than any of his teammates. He has also built a growing reputation for long-range screamers against Rovers, having netted from halfway at Tallaght in 2023.

“I'm just so pleased for him. I can't speak highly enough of Darragh,” said Nash.

“He's played in pretty much every position for me since I've been here: the two full-back positions, centre-half, central midfield.

“He's had a really good impact in central midfield for us in recent weeks. When we were chasing the game, we put him back in there, and it gives him more opportunity to get forward and do that. It was a brilliant strike.

“He's a true Corkman. He's a wonderful professional in how he trains, how he goes about his work, and he's really respected by the players and staff at this football club.” 

Rory Feely picked up man-of-the-match honours for another resolute performance at the heart of City’s defence.

“I don't think he should be here,” said Nash. “He should be playing at a much higher level across Europe.

“The best car journey I've made was travelling around the country to get him back in June. I can't speak highly enough of him as a man, and as a footballer, he's fantastic. He helps everybody.”

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