Only a victory will satisfy Richardson

CORK CITY boss Damien Richardson will be satisfied with nothing less than a victory over Portadown in tonight’s Group One Setanta Cup clash at Turner’s Cross (7.45pm).

"Even though we are already guaranteed a place in the semi-finals after that 1-0 win away to Dungannon Swifts last week, this is a game we have to win to keep alive the hopes of topping the group and therefore having a home semi-final next month," said Richardson.

Cork have winger Roy O'Donovan back after a one-match suspension but midfielder Joe Gamble is doubtful with an ankle injury. Defender Neal Horgan (thigh) and midfielder George O'Callaghan (groin) face late fitness tests after taking knocks in Saturday's drab scoreless draw with Drogheda United in the eircom League Premier Division game at United Park. Bosnian-born midfielder Admir Softic could come into the reckoning for at least a place on the bench.

"We have to be wary of Portadown after their 1-0 victory at Turner's Cross last year in the same competition. Even though they had nothing to play for except pride they emerged victorious, even when reduced to 10 men in the first-half after Gary Hamilton was shown the red card," said Richardson.

Portadown, currently second in the Irish League behind newly-crowned champions Linfield, will have midfielder Kyle Neill suspended after being sent off in last week's 4-0 thrashing by Drogheda.

Also serving a one-match ban is Richard Clarke after collecting two yellow cards in previous games, with Jamie Marks expected to take over in midfield.

David Miskelly is expected to keep his place in goal with defenders Keith O'Hara and Henry McStay back in the reckoning.

"It is a game we just have to win to keep alive our hopes of reaching the semi-finals and then hope results elsewhere work out in our favour. I would be happy with a repeat of last year's result," said Ports boss Ronnie McFall.

Drogheda will join Cork in the semi-finals if they beat Dungannon in tonight's other Group One game at Stangmore Park (kick-off 8pm).

"If we win we are definitely through to the last four and the last thing we want is to rely on the Cork-Portadown result," said Drogheda boss Paul Doolin.

But if that game does end in stalemate, then a draw would suffice for Drogheda against the Swifts to reach the semi-final. Doolin is likely to keep changes to a minimum, although central defender Steven Gray is ruled out with a calf injury. Graham Gartland is the automatic replacement, with the experienced Simon Webb taking over at left back.

Former Shamrock Rovers defender Brian Shelley will have a late fitness test on an ankle injury. Damien Lynch is on stand-by to fill the right back role.

Dungannon have three players back from suspension striker Michael Ward, defender Darren Murphy and midfielder Shane McCabe.

Influential midfielder Rodney McAree is likely to miss out with a hamstring problem.

"There is still a mathematical chance that we can make the semi-finals. We won't throw in the towel just yet. This competition has been a bonus for the club we would love to be back next year," said Swifts boss Joe McAree.