City rearing to make amends for Cup final defeat

ASK eircom League fans about this weekend's big Munster v Leinster clash and they'll nod sagely and tell you that it's tough one to call.

As if it could ever be any other way when the Cup holders come up against the League champions.

We are, of course, talking about Cork City and Drogheda United in tonight's Setanta Sports Cup Final at Tolka Park (kick off 7.45pm)

Apart from the €150,000 in prize money, for Cork City manager Damien Richardson it's about laying the ghost of last season's FAI Cup final, when Drogheda United beat the newly crowned league champions 2-0 at Lansdowne Road.

"The only thing in our mind is that we didn't do ourselves justice in the cup final last year," says Richardson, describing the game as "the only blemish on an otherwise magnificent season."

He reckons Cork found it hard to lift themselves after that heartstopping end to the league campaign which saw them secure the title with a scintillating 2-0 victory over Derry City in the final game at Turner's Cross.

"It was definitely a factor," he says. "There was too much of a break between the games and the pitch didn't help but you can make all the excuses you want - ultimately, it comes down to ourselves and the fact is that we simply didn't perform.

"You have to respect Drogheda greatly. They've got a very ambitious board of directors who have put a huge amount of investment into the club, and that's a perfect scenario for a manager to look at. And this is all good for football. We had a rivalry with Derry and Shelbourne last season, and Drogheda joining that little band is healthy for the league.

"It's also another indication of how strong football is becoming in the provinces. I think everyone accepts that that's a very necessary and most welcome progression."

The one concern about the Cork-Drogheda rivalry is that it has shown signs of getting out of hand, with no less than three red cards going Drogheda's way in the teams' two group meetings in the Setanta Cup this season. (In the interests of balance, it's worth pointing out, however, that Roy O'Donovan is back in contention for Cork tonight having missed the last two Setanta Cup games after being sent-off against Dungannon Swifts).

"Drogheda are new to stepping into this area and it's understandable that sometimes their fervour might run away with them a little bit," is Richardson's view. "If they get used to being part of the top table they'll have greater control. But it's all part of the game at the top level."

On a related point, Richardson is disappointed that referees haven't given some players more protection. City playmaker George O'Callaghan comes to mind, with his manager insisting the player has come in for extra physical attention this season.

"There's no doubt about it," he says. "It's not just me who's noticed it, everyone else has noticed it too. In a way it's a compliment but I'd rather see more teams let their ability do the talking."

Although O'Callaghan still has bruising on his ankle, Richardson reckons he should be fit for tonight. Striker John O'Flynn (hamstring) will have a final fitness test today after which we will also learn whether fit-again Michael Devine or super-sub Mark McNulty will play in goal.

Shane Barrett is definitely out for Drogheda and there is a doubt about Stephen Gray who has had an x-ray on a toe injury. Otherwise manager Paul Doolin has Declan O'Brien, Keith Fahey and Mark Leech available for selection.

A capacity crowd of 8,500 is expected at Tolka Park and live coverage on Setanta Sports stars at 7pm.