‘A tall order’ but John Caulfield believes Cork City can close gap

The SSE Airtricity League Premier Division throws up its first real marquee match of the season tonight, as champions Dundalk and runners-up Cork City go head to head again at Oriel Park.

City gained the psychological advantage on the eve of the new league season by finally putting one over on their rivals in the President’s Cup but, since then, Dundalk haven’t put a foot wrong when it counts, claiming nine from nine in the league, while Cork’s defeat away to Derry leaves them trailing the front-runners by three points.

But the visitors are entitled to go into tonight’s game with renewed confidence on the back of a 6-0 thrashing of Longford Town at Turner’s Cross last Monday, a victory achieved without midfielder Greg Bolger who returns from suspension for the meeting with Dundalk, although Gavan Holohan and Stephen Dooley are both doubtful with knocks. Tonight’s match will also see Cork’s new striker Sean Maguire make a first return to his former club.