Cork out to get back on track against Derry
Even more important for Paul Doolin’s men is the need to turn around a run of form that sees them without a win in their last three games.
“We’ve played quite well over the last few games,” claims Doolin. “Unfortunately we do not have a recognised goalscorer who will score 20 goals a season and perhaps that is the difference between drawing games and winning them.
“We had chances to beat Sligo Rovers last week, but the fact that Derry suffered a defeat meant that we did close the gap on them, so we have to look at that as a point gained as we chase a place in Europe.
“Both sides want to qualify for Europe, and this game will have a big say in that, so we will be looking for the three points.”
Greg O’Halloran returns from suspension, while captain Dan Murray returned to training last week after a calf injury and should be available. Joe Gamble will miss out as he continues to struggle with a knee problem, while Timmy Kiely also remains sidelined by injury.
In tonight’s other top flight game, St Patrick’s Athletic host Sligo Rovers at Richmond Park (7.45pm) with the visitors particularly desperate for points as they attempt to open up a gap between themselves and bottom side Bray Wanderers.
“Sligo will come here looking to win the match which should make for a good open game,” said Saints boss Pete Mahon. “(Sligo manager) Paul Cook deserves a lot of credit, he has brought some good players in which has freshened up the league.”
Mark Quigley is suspended for the home side while Jamie Harris is out with a hamstring injury. Both Andy Haran and Noel Haverty have returned to light training following recent injuries but are unlikely to feature. Owen Morrison (calf) is Cook’s only injury worry.
Elsewhere, in the Setanta Sports Cup, Bohemians take on Coleraine in Group 2 and will be looking to bounce back from Friday’s Premier Division defeat to Shamrock Rovers (Dalymount Park, 7.45pm). Mark Rossiter and Jason McGuinness are ruled out through injury and manager Pat Fenlon has said he intends to make a few changes with their hectic schedule in mind.
“It’s going to be a tough game. If we can get six points on the board, it’ll be brilliant and we’ll be fairly close to qualifying too,” Fenlon said.
Coleraine are eighth in the IFA Premiership, 13 points behind league leaders Crusaders and were beaten 4-0 by Portadown ten days ago.
Coleraine and Northern Ireland midfielder Stephen Carson is unlikely to be fit to face Bohs.
Meanwhile, in the First Division, there is a clash of promotion hopefuls as Waterford United host Shelbourne at the RSC (7.45pm). Monaghan also United take on Finn Harps at Kingspan Century Park (8pm).
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