In-form City target win to keep firm grip on top spot
While Bohemians were losing to Shamrock Rovers last weekend, City were winning against Derry, to put the Leesiders three points clear of the defending champions.
“Last week was a tough game and a fantastic win for us,” says manager Paul Doolin of the 1-0 defeat of the Candystripes at Turner’s Cross. “I think we played really well in the first half and played some very good football. Maybe on another day we could have scored another goal or two, but Derry having a man sent off did disrupt the game, maybe even more for us than for them.. But in any league, to have 25 points out of a possible 27 is fantastic and we are really pleased with our form.”
Although Bray lie joint-second bottom in the table, Doolin won’t be underestimating tonight’s opposition.
“Bray are a young side and having managed UCD myself, I know that managing a young side can be difficult, but they are a good side and have some good players,” he says. “I was at their game against Drogheda a few weeks ago and they were unlucky not to have got something out of it. But we have been very good on the road this season, and we are confident in our own abilities. It is important that we try to pick up another three points but we will give Bray Wanderers the same respect that we give Bohs, Derry and every other club we play.”
Cork’s goal hero against Derry, skipper Dan Murray, is also pleased with the side’s progress.
“When we sat down as a team at the start of the season we believed that Bohs and Derry would probably be the two other strongest teams in the league, and that Shamrock Rovers would be a tough team to beat, especially at home,” he says. “It’s turned out pretty much as we expected, although even we didn’t think we would start as well as we have.”
Full-back Danny Murphy returns from suspension for Cork but Stephen O’Donnell – sent off on his home debut against Derry – misses out. So too does Robert Mezeckis whose comeback from injury proved unfortunately short-lived last Friday.
“Having to rejig the team last week was a bit awkward, and I must give credit to Robert Mezeckis, because I think he put the group before himself,” says Paul Doolin. “I don’t think he was 100% fit but we needed him to play and he did. The squad is not that big and that doesn’t leave you much margin, especially when you’re trying to deal with a number of injuries.
“It was great to see Stephen O’Donnell back last week and Billy Dennehy should be back this week and I’m hoping Neal Horgan will be back in full training as well. I’m not sure yet if Billy will feature, as we don’t want to take risks with a hamstring injury. Robert Mezeckis is likely to be missing for another few weeks, Davin O’Neill is probably about four weeks away from a return with his ankle injury and Shane Duggan has returned to training, but is not likely to be available for a few weeks yet.”
By contrast, Bray’s only absentee tonight will be Derek Pender – who damaged an ankle when the two sides met earlier in the season – as Eddie Gormley looks for a positive reaction from his side after last week’s 3-0 defeat in Galway.
Says the Bray manager: “Two wonder goals turned the game in their favour but we now need to get back on track. It’s a big game and we need to compete to try and get the three points.”
In tonight’s other games, the Setanta Sport cameras will be on hand at Dalymount Park where Bohemians will be hot favourites to keep the pressure on Cork as they host basement club Drogheda United; the battle of the third-placed teams sees Derry City take on Shamrock Rovers in an attractive fixture at the Brandywell; and,looking to move out of the bottom half of the table, Dundalk welcome St Patrick’s Athletic to Oriel Park.
All games kick off at 7.45pm.
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