Dunne wary as table-toppers Sligo visit the Cross

Cork City boss Tommy Dunne was quick to insist there was much room for improvement after last week’s rousing 6-0 win over Monaghan United at Turner’s Cross.

Building on that first victory of the league will certainly be a more arduous task tonight when unbeaten league leaders Sligo Rovers come south.

“Sligo have had an excellent start and are the early pace-setters, so we know they will provide tough opposition,” said Cork boss Dunne.

“I watched their game against Derry, and they’ve quality all over the pitch. From our point of view, it’s good to be playing quality opposition who will challenge us and help us to improve.

“We have to make sure that we are not gung-ho in our approach, but that we are positive at the same time and look to pick up three points.”

Defender John Dunleavy (knee) is the main selection worry for Dunne while Jamie Murphy (ankle) will also have to prove his fitness.

Sligo boss Ian Baraclough, who waits on central defender Jason McGuinness (back), says he expects a reaction from his side after they lost for the first time this season at Crusaders in the Setanta Sports Cup on Monday.

Manager Stephen Kenny remains without defender Kerrea Gilbert (hamstring), striker Ciarán Kilduff (foot) and midfielder Stephen O’Donnell (knee) while Killian Brennan is a doubt with a calf stain. Goalkeeper Conor Winn returns from injury.

Bray defenders Shane O’Connor and Adam Mitchell are again, both doubtful with injuries.

UCD boss Martin Russell has rowed in behind St Patrick’s Athletic manager Liam Buckley in lamenting the poor quality of some pitches ahead of their meeting at Richmond Park.

“I have to fully endorse what Liam said last week about the state of some of the pitches,” said Russell. “If we want the league to grow in all aspects then we need to look after the surfaces and ensure they are of a higher standard to allow teams to play good football.”

The inspirational Ryan Brennan returns from suspension for Drogheda United, along with fellow midfielder Cathal Brady, for the visit of Shelbourne to Hunky Dorys Park. Paul Crowley remains out following surgery.

Derry are again missing Rory Patterson, Ruaidhri Higgins, Owen Morrison and Stewart Greacen with injuries while Shane McEleney, Stephen McLoughlin and Simon Madden will be required to prove their fitness ahead of their meeting with Dundalk at the Brandywell.

Hoping to make it a hat-trick of wins following their poor start, Bohemians welcome midfielder Dwayne Wilson back from a family commitment in Australia as they host bottom of the table Monaghan United. Gypsies’ Striker Dave Scully sits out the second game of a suspension.