Dundalk determined to put Cherrie on top

Peter Cherrie hopes to emulate fellow Scot Tom McNulty and help Dundalk secure a league title.

“I’ve met him a few times, a nice man,” said goalkeeper Cherrie of the midfielder who scored the only goal of the game at Turner’s Cross when Dundalk beat Cork City to the title on the last day of the 1990/91 season.

“He’s told me what it’s like to win a league with Dundalk, so hopefully I can join him,” added Cherrie.

Because they’ve been seen to have played the best football this season, Dundalk are regarded by the purist as more deserving of the title.

That has left Cork manager John Caulfield at pains to point out on more than one occasion since the summer that his side has been written off and been given little credit for their challenge.

“Cork are just a big physical team, I’ve been impressed with them,” said Cherrie of tonight’s opponents.

“Most of the times we’ve played them it’s just route one football, and you look at us, we’re a footballing team.

“But you can’t fault them. They’ve got the results, they are where they are and we are where we are.”

Dundalk haven’t altered their routine this week, save for a meal out together on Wednesday night.

“We’ll treat it as any other game,” said Cherrie.

“Don’t get me wrong, we know it’s massive. But we go into it with no fear.

“We know we have to go out and beat them (to claim the title).”

Having lost 4-0 at Oriel Park in May, Cork have trained on an artificial surface at Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa this week to assist in their preparations.

Cherrie unashamedly wants Dundalk’s oft-maligned home surface to be their ally — and for their vociferous fans to be their 12th man.

“It definitely gives us a lot of confidence,” said Cherrie of the fact Dundalk have not been beaten on their notorious playing pitch in the league this season.

“They know we’ve not been beat at home so it’s going to be a tough one for them, and the crowd are going to play a massive part.

“They could be a matchwinner.”