St Colman's Park prepared for all-weather as Cobh Ramblers host Cork City

Turner's Cross was deemed unplayable for almost a month after the last meeting between the two Cork clubs.

ALL-WEATHER: A general view of St Colman's Park before the SSE Airtricity Men's First Division match between Cobh Ramblers and Finn Harps at St Coleman's Park in Cobh, Cork. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

After the last time meeting between Cork City and Cobh Ramblers in the First Division, the Turner’s Cross surface was deemed unplayable for almost a month.

That was due to the horrendous weather conditions in Cork around the time, and on the night in particular, rather than ferocious nature of the derby known locally as El ClasiCork.

But either way that won’t be a problem tonight as Cobh Ramblers recently opened their stunning new astro-turf pitch at St Colman’s Park.

Acclimatization won’t be much of an issue for City either given that their last run-out on an artificial pitch came just one week ago when they emerged from another derby victorious as this time Kerry were slayed 1-0 at Mounthawk Park.

Having made it two wins out of two against the Kingdom this season, the Rebel Army will be hoping to make it two wins out of two – that controversial aforementioned fixture ending in a 3-0 City triumph - against their closest rivals (kick-off is at 7.45pm) which would, at the very least, maintain their eight-point lead at the top.

“The surface won’t have any impact on that (his approach) at all,” admitted manager Tim Clancy.

Cian Murphy of Cork City has a shot on goal during the SSE Airtricity Men's First Division match between Cork City and Cobh Ramblers at Turner's Cross in Cork. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

“Playing on Friday night, playing on Monday (a 1-1 draw with Wexford on their return to the Cross) and then playing on Friday night is the only concern with managing minutes and having a bit of freshness.

“They have had really good results since the last time we played them. It’s a local derby so form, and whatever else people say, goes out the window.

“But I think both teams are in good form, so it makes for a really good game. It’s one that if you don’t turn up, if you don’t start well, if you don’t play it as a derby - which it is – you will get found out pretty quickly.

“Our fans have been exceptional home and away all season. It was brilliant getting back in front of the Shed on Monday, they never stopped singing for the whole game.

“It was a really good feeling for us to be back and we are hoping now that they will travel in big numbers again and we are hoping it will be another positive result – please God – and I imagine the atmosphere will be brilliant for the game.”

On the injury front Cian Murphy is available for selection but although Jack Doherty and Malik Dijksteel returned to training during the week, they are unlikely to recover in time to feature.

And bar any further issues, Clancy expects to have a fully fit squad to choose from in the next couple of weeks.