Dunne readies City for second cup run

IN a week in which they learned they will be hosting the EA Sports Cup final against Derry City at Turner’s Cross next month, Cork City now turn their attentions to the most coveted of all Irish cup trophies as they prepare for a FAI Cup clash against Wexford Youths at Ferrycarrig Park this evening.

City boss Tommy Dunne needs no reminding that Wexford Youths can cause problems because it is only two weeks since Noel O’Connor’s team put a dent in Cork’s promotion challenge by leaving Leeside with a point after a 2-2 draw.

“Looking back on our last meeting with Wexford, the lesson we learned is that we need to be more clinical at both ends of the pitch,” said Dunne.

“We created a lot of chances and did not take them, while defensively we made mistakes which led to the goals. In our other meetings with Wexford this season we have had fewer chances, but we took them when the opportunities arose.”

Interestingly, Dunne thinks that, tonight, playing away from home could work to Cork’s advantage.

“I like playing in Wexford,” he said. “The pitch is always good, and with the weather at the moment it should be in very good condition. We have the players to get the ball down and play, and that pitch suits us, so we are looking forward to the game.

“With a tight squad like ours the fact that we are in two cups is difficult, but the [FAI[ Cup is still something to look forward to. Our primary goal has to be to gain promotion, but we need to be competitive in every game we play, so with a number of players missing and a small squad we do not really get the opportunity to rest players as we might like to do.”

Greg O’ Halloran (hamstring), Mark McNulty (hip) both miss out tonight while Daryl Horgan is cup-tied. However, Neal Horgan is available again and Dunne is hopeful that

Vincent Escude-Candau will be back in time from a heel injury.

Elsewhere in the fourth round this evening, non-league Sherriff YC will be up against it as they seek to upset First Division front-runnersShelbourne at Tolka Park while in two other Premier v First contests, Bray Wanderers host Limerick and Waterford United entertain St Pat’s.

And in the night’s only all top-flight game, Drogheda United are at home to Dundalk in a Louth derby.