Cork City boss Robson eyeing derby revenge at Cobh

Ramblers earned an historic victory at Turner's Cross earlier this term. 

DUE EAST: Cork City manager Barry Robson and Fiacre Kelleher. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Cork City trained on a narrower pitch in preparation for Friday’s derby at Cobh Ramblers, the only opponent the leaders have yet to overcome.

The March draw at St Colman’s Park was followed up by a Rams win in the rematch through former City player Dylan McGlade’s late penalty.

It was the first-ever win for Cobh in the division against their neighbours at Turner’s Cross.

Since that May weekend blip, which included their second defeat of the season at Kerry three days later, Barry Robson’s side have been imperious with their form.

Eight straight victories, seven with clean sheets, generates a 15-point cushion at the summit.

Promotion back to the Premier, on this trajectory, could be secured with six games to spare before the summer is out.

As former Aberdeen boss Robson stresses, Cobh will fancy stalling the City juggernaut and he reckons the conditions are in their favour.

“I’ve watched a fair bit of Cobh and they’ve got a good, well-organised side,” the Scot said on Thursday.

“The astroturf really helps them. It’s a bouncier, smaller pitch with the players closer together but we enjoy a different challenge. We marked out their dimensions for our training.

“It will be a good atmosphere for us against a team full of energy who'll want to spoil the game and get a result against us.”  

Regarding the defeat eight weeks ago, Robson reasoned: “Nobody likes to lose but it was the manner of the defeat. We played well, missed a lot of chances so took that defeat on the chin. We’ve to improve in both boxes. 

“I know it’s a big game for the fans but my job is to treat it the same as every three points.

“I used to love playing in derbies and have a good record in them, apart from here.” 

In the Premier Division, winger Dylan Connolly goes into the Galway United squad for their trip to St Patrick’s Athletic, having joined on the opening day of the transfer window. Galway GAA goalkeeper Conor Gleeson is also pushing for inclusion against the tier’s third-placed team.

FRIDAY’S LOI FIXTURES (All 7.45pm unless stated):

PREMIER DIVISION: Derry City v Waterford, Ryan McBride Brandywell; Drogheda United v Bohemians, Sullivan and Lambe Park; Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers, Showgrounds; St Patrick’s Athletic v Galway United, Richmond Park; Shelbourne v Dundalk, Tolka Park (8pm).

FIRST DIVISION: Bray Wanderers v Athlone Town, Carlisle Grounds; Cobh Ramblers v Cork City, St Colman’s Park; Finn Harps v Wexford, Finn Park; Treaty United v Kerry, Markets Field;

Sat: Longford Town v UCD, Bishopsgate (7.30pm).