Airtricity League: John Caulfield wants 12th man to roar Cork City to soccer victory

John Caulfield wants more of the same from Cork City’s 12th man against Galway United at Turner’s Cross tonight to help get the goals flowing again Cork have taken a point apiece from resolute away draws at Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers either side of a 5-0 home victory over a struggling Limerick in a steady if unspectacular start to the season.

“At the last home game against Limerick, the atmosphere was fantastic and the attendance of nearly 5,000 was excellent,” said Cork boss Caulfield.

“I keep stressing how vital it is that we get a big crowd behind us at every home game. The supporters really are our 12th man and we need them to come in early and be vocal from the start of every game.

“We need to get back scoring goals if we can (tonight). It’s a home game and a good opportunity. I think it’s good to have a game so quickly after the draw with Shamrock Rovers on Friday night.”

Rob Lehane and Josh O’Shea are both fit, leaving Michael McSweeney (hamstring) Cork’s only absentee.

With Sami Oji suspended, Marc Ludden injured and Colm Horgan a doubt due to ‘flu, Galway could give a debut to Kevin Garcia after the American defender completed his signing yesterday.

A calf strain rules out striker Enda Curran who joins long term injury victims Kilian Cantwell (knee) and Ger Hanley (achilles) on the sidelines. Leaders Bohemians won’t be lacking in confidence as they relish the visit of champions Dundalk for a top-of-the-table clash at Dalymount Park. The Gypsies have yet to concede a goal in three comfortable victories.

Dundalk, however, travel with an almost identical record and should provide their hosts with their first major examination of the campaign.

“It’s a big challenge, but also a great opportunity for our players to test themselves against some of the best players in the league,” said Bohemians’ boss Keith Long.

“The players will need no added incentive. We’ll go into the games with confidence and with a belief in our ability that maybe we can pull off a surprise.”

With Dan Byrne and Dave Mulcahy still out injured, Long is likely to field an unchanged side for the fourth time.

Save for injured skipper Stephen O’Donnell, Dundalk have no selection issues as manager Stephen Kenny may well also keep faith with the same starting XI.

Getting one over his former boss Pat Fenlon is something Sligo Rovers’ manager Owen Heary would savour for his first win of the season when Shamrock Rovers visit the Showgrounds.

“Pat is the best manager in the country and that is what I want to go and achieve over the next couple of years,” said Heary of the man he played under for over a decade with huge success at both Shelbourne and Bohemians.

Family commitments rule out Sligo midfielder John Russell while goalkeeper Richard Brush and defender Jeff Henderson are injured. Fenlon hopes to have striker Danny North back from a knee injury to face his former club. Midfielder Keith Fahey should be passed fit having come off due to stiffness in Friday’s scoreless draw with Cork. Left-back Luke Byrne, however, remains out with a hamstring injury.