Con taking nothing for granted against fired-up Carlow

CORK CONSTITUTION coach Brian Walsh is playing it cautious in advance of the AIB League clash with County Carlow at Oak Park today.

Constitution are hot favourites but Walsh believes it will be hard to return with the points.

"Carlow are a little bit off the pace in terms of points, but they are still very much in the hunt for a top four place. This is a very important game for both sides, but probably more important from a home point of view.

"A win would be a major boost in our top four drive and probably disastrous for them. But they're playing at home and will be well aware of what's required to stay in the race for that top four place.

"We have played them before and seen a bit of them on video this season. They're pretty formidable up front and that's where the danger lies, particularly with guys like Andrew Melville, Rory Sheriff and Des Dillon around."

Walsh believes his side will win but warns: "We won't be over confident and will give Carlow the respect they deserve. They had a good start, slipped a bit, but still have a game in hand over a lot of sides.

"We have six or seven tough games coming up. It would be nice to secure a win this weekend, have a rest next week and then take on St Mary's at home the following week. These next two results could be crucial for us."

Second placed Shannon face Blackrock, another of the mid-table clubs, this week and coach Geoff Moylan knows victory is essential.

"Blackrock have played well and pulled off a couple of big wins so we will take nothing for granted."

Old Belvedere, Barnhall, Terenure and Bohemians, in that order (with UCC just slightly adrift) are the leading lights in division two.

Belvedere journey to Midleton and expect to add to their tally.

Barnhall can, however, be fairly confident of a home victory over struggling Sunday's Well, while Terenure face a mighty battle at Lakelands against UCC.

UL Bohemian are also at home, this time to Ballynahinch, and are the most free-scoring side in any of the three divisions.

The top Division Three candidates Banbridge, Instonians and Highfield are all away from home.

Leaders Banbridge have drawn the short straw as they take on Wanderers.

Instonians are in Derry but look good enough to secure the win and Highfield, if they play to their potential, should escape with a win over Suttonians at Station Road.

CORK CONSTITUTI0N: D. O'Brien, D. Dillon, C. Mahony, C. O'Sullivan, C. Healy, S. McColl, P. McCarthy, G. Murray, D. Murray, J. O'Driscoll, K. Coughlan, D. Pusey, U. O'Callaghan, B. O'Connor, J. Murray (captain). Replacements: M. Ross, L. Hill, C. O'Keeffe, T. O'Leary, A. Burke, R. O'Donovan.

UL/BOHEMIAN: C. Garvey, B. Murphy, K. Matthews, M. McPhail, M. Tuohy, I. Costello, A. Rees, M. Harty, G. Ryan (captain), J. Danagher, B. Madigan, A. Hartigan, P. van Esbeck, J. E. O'Connor, S. Ryan. Replacements: P. Treacy, B. Leahy, B. Murphy, K. Flanagan, R. Hartigan.