War of words moves to pitch

RUNNING beneath the surface emotions around tonight’s Cork City v Derry City Cup semi-final (7.45pm) is a deep resentment in Derry that the game was not delayed until the weekend.

Derry hold Cork at least partly responsible for the timing of the game and the risk is the good relations that traditionally bound the two clubs together has been seriously damaged.

Cork's defence to charges they were not interested in facilitating Derry by pushing for a rearrangement of the fixture is that the matter was out of their hands, the timing of the game dictated by the FAI.

Cork and Derry share a long-standing arrangement that ensures all league games between them kick-off at noon on Sundays. The advantages to the visiting team are many, not least the fact they can drive the 266 miles from one end of the country to the other and arrive home at a reasonable hour.

Predictably, when Cork and Derry were paired together in the semi-final of the FAI Carlsberg Cup, Derry requested this arrangement be extended to cover the game. But the FAI announced prior to the draw the first match would be played on Friday, the second on Sunday.

Derry sought the support of the clubs and reportedly Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians, in the second semi-final, were prepared to switch. But the FAI were not for turning.

Derry argued that had Cork supported their case, they would have had a better chance of getting their way.

Cork's manager Liam Murphy was not receptive to this suggestion.

"It was not down to us," he said. "The FAI set the game for Friday, it was their decision. As far as we are concerned we are following their instructions and we have to get on with it. Any talking should be done on the pitch."

But Derry are not happy. The upshot of it is that if tonight's match is drawn a replay will be played in Derry on Thursday next. And Cork will have to travel to Derry again within two days to play them in the league on Sunday.

Cork will be hoping, of course, a replay will not be necessary.

But their results outside of Cork have been disastrous. They drew away with two first division teams in the cup, Monaghan United and Finn Harps, and gained only one point out of a possible 15 in league matches.

They will take strength, of course, from their sparkling form at home and from the rich flow of goals from John O'Flynn, George O'Callaghan and Billy Woods. But injuries to Stephen Napier unlikely to play again this season Declan Daly, Neal Horgan, James Mulligan and David Warren upset their planning for the season.

Daly made a successful return against Shelbourne last weekend and will partner Alan Bennett at centre-back while Warren has had two successful matches with the under-21 team and will be on the bench alongside Mulligan, who is nearing full fitness again.

Cork beat Derry 3-1 in the league at Turner's Cross but much has changed since then. Derry have lost their excellent centre-back Darren Kelly to Carlisle United, but they have regained their form. Eamonn Doherty has provided important leadership from midfield in partnership with Ciaran Martyn, the former UCD player. And, most important for this match, the peerless Liam Coyne is back to form a formidable strike force with former international David Kelly.

Cork will be glad to run out in front of their home supporters after suffering the disappointment of losing further ground in the league to Shelbourne.

"We are going through a period at the moment when we are being punished for every mistake," said Murphy.

The result is that Cork, just like Derry, must look to the cup as their last opportunity of a major trophy this season.

As well, getting to the final should qualify them for Europe, for Bohemians must be fancied to win the second semi-final and would appear to already have the league title in safe keeping.

The contest promises much then and the fans will feel confident of having some goals to enjoy. Certainly, the Derry strike force of Coyle and Kelly looks formidable and O'Flynn has been in devastating form for Cork.

"We are having to play Greg O'Halloran and Alan Bennett in defence because of our injuries, so we have lost some of the scoring potential they gave us," said Murphy. "But John O'Flynn's form is very encouraging he had two chances against Shels and put one of them away.

"We found it hard to score goals last season, but things have improved in this regard and we're looking forward to this test."

It will be another full house at Turner's Cross and Cork officials have told asked fans to expect new parking restrictions near the stadium and asked them to follow garda directions.