'We must wrestle the game from Cork' - Sligo seeking to push City further towards abyss

Sligo manager John Russell. File picture: Lorcan Doherty/Inpho

Sligo Rovers expect to face the equivalent of a 12th man when visiting Turner’s Cross on Friday for what’s a must-win game for Cork City.

Another defeat for basement side City would create a 11-point gap to chase Sligo in the playoff spot with just 11 games remaining.

Sligo were the team propping up the table until five weeks ago. They’ve won two and drawn two of their last four league matches, whereas the Rebels are winless in 13 Premier outings.

"This is a huge game for both teams", said Sligo boss John Russell, himself returning from illness after missing Friday’s 2-0 FAI Cup win at First Division leaders Dundalk.

"I expect Cork will have a huge crowd out to get behind them. As I said earlier in the season, Turner's Cross is a tough place to go and even tougher when the crowd's back is up. It's akin to playing against 12 men.

“They're scrapping for their lives and will see this a must win and we need to be prepared for an onslaught.

“We need to be able to wrestle the game from them and dictate the play.

"We're only a few points ahead of them and we are still trying to catch the teams above us. We are looking up but we need to make sure we pick up results in these sorts of games and add a real buffer between ourselves and that bottom spot. There's no better way to do that than by getting a result in Cork on Friday.

"The game is live on television too so that'll add something to the event and hopefully we'll have a big crowd coming down to get behind us.” Russell has bolstered his squad with the loan captures of James McManus (Bohemians) and Ryan McManus (Shelbourne), along with experienced Patrick McClean returning to the club and Sean Stewart, also from the Northern Irish league.

"We're unbeaten now in five and really pleased with how things have gone the last few weeks,” added the Sligo boss.

“However, we must keep the momentum going and keep things ticking over in Cork. We're in the midst of a busy period now and the players and staff are really enjoying it.

“We have turned things around somewhat but I knew we always had that in us. We need to keep this going and keep bringing our levels up.”

Friday's LOI Fixtures (All 7.45pm)

Premier Division: Cork City v Sligo Rovers, Turner’s Cross (Live Virgin Media); Derry City v Bohemians, Ryan McBride Brandywell; Galway United v Waterford, Eamonn Deacy Park.

First Division: Athlone Town v Treaty United, Athlone Town Stadium; Dundalk v Wexford, Oriel Park; Finn Harps v Cobh Ramblers, Finn Park; Kerry v UCD, Mounthawk Park.

Saturday: Longford Town v Bray Wanderers, Bishopsgate (7.30pm).