Points a must as Ashton seeks breathing room

Caretaker manager Stuart Ashton faces his biggest test yet as Cork City take on Bohemians at Turner’s Cross this evening in a game which could have major significance on the race away from the bottom of the Airtricity League Premier Division.

Bohs are currently the club propping up the table but, though Cork are five places above them, only six points separate the two teams going into tonight’s game.

After the sacking of Tommy Dunne, Ashton got off to a winning start as City saw off non-league Kilbarrack United in the FAI Cup but, as coach Billy Woods attests, a Bohs side with one of the club’s most famous players now at the helm will be expected to come out fighting at Turner’s Cross.

“Obviously since Owen Heary has come in, Bohs have had some good performances,” says Woods. “They beat Bray, drew with Drogheda and were very unfortunate to lose to UCD last week. It will be a very tough game for us, but at this point in the season we need to start winning games. We are looking for a big performance from our players in front of what will be hopefully a good crowd.”

A piece of welcome news for Cork is that Colin Healy has returned from a knee injury but, as ever this season, significant absenteeism abounds, with doubts over the availability of Ian Turner, John Dunleavy and Neal Horgan while Darren Dennehy (foot), Kevin Burns (arm) and Kevin Murray (groin) are out.

City are also hit by the absence through suspension of Daryl Horgan, always a potential game-changer for the Dublin side, and big defender Kalen Spillane.

Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers — who have added former Sligo Rovers star Richie Ryan to their ranks this week — host leaders St Patrick’s Athletic at Tallaght Stadium (8pm), while Dundalk — one point behind St Pat’s and with striker Patrick Hoban just named the Airtricity/Soccer Writers’ Association Player of the Month for July — travel south to Tolka Park to face Shelbourne (8pm).

Elsewhere, UCD host Derry City and Drogheda United welcome Limerick.

In the First Division, Mervue United take on Wexford Youths, Waterford United tackle Cobh Ramblers and Finn Harps welcome Salthill Devon.