Cork City v Derry City, Turners Cross, 7.45pm.
Game live on Drive 105 and BBC Radio Foyle
Having seen his Derry side record their victory in Cork in over a decade earlier in the season, City manager Declan Devine will be hoping that his side can recapture the spirit and verve of that performance to relaunch their challenge for the League title. The Candystripes have fallen off the pace in recent weeks, but with St Pats the visitors on Tuesday night, tonight’s game offers the perfect opportunity to get their challenges underway again.
The Candystripes finally ended a disappointing run of home results with a victory over Bluebell United in their Ford FAI Cup replay on Tuesday night and Devine will be hoping that this is the starting point for a revival in the club’s fortunes. In truth, the Candystripes have never really recovered since the mid season break with only wins against Limerick and UCD to show for since then, but with four sides still involved in the race for the League title, there is plenty yet to be decided.
Cork have been rejuvenated under the new management of Stuart Ashton, who like Devine cut his teeth in the academy set up at the club before progressing to manage the senior side, at least on a caretaker basis. The Leesiders were disappointing under Tommy Dunne and lost a large number of points as a result of the concession of late goals. This was evident in the last meeting between the sides in Turners Cross, when a late late penalty by Rory Patterson proved the difference.
Patterson was on the score sheet on Tuesday night and continues to lead the League scoring charts. Indeed his goals will be vital if Derry are to return to challenge the leaders, as his goals to date have fired City to their current position. Devine was bullish ahead of the long trip south yesterday.
“As with every game at Turners Cross we are expecting a very good, tight game with two teams giving it their all. This is a big fixture and a very important one for both clubs as it puts the two city sides against one another. At the start of the season this is the fixture that we look out for and the one that we always look forward to.
Turner's Cross has always been a difficult place to pick up any kind of result. The fact that it’s one of the better stadiums in the league with a great pitch and a fantastic support means it’s always a great occasion with the atmosphere to match.
So as with every game we play against Cork City I expect a tough game, but if we play to our full potential we should secure all three points.”
The Candystripes will welcome back Ryan McBride and Shane McEleney who both missed Tuesday night’s cup tie and will undergo fitness tests before the game, however both are expected to make it. Assuming his first choice centre halves are available, this will allow the City manage to deploy Jarvis and Molloy at their favoured position of left back and midfield respectively. Jarvis, making his full debut on Tuesday in an unfamiliar position of the centre of defence impressed many City supporters and allied to his cameo on Friday night, he must be favourite to replace Eoghan Osborne. The other contender for the left back spot, Thomas Crawley, continues to struggle with hamstring problems.
Having Barry Molloy available in the centre of midfield will be a relief to Devine, who is without both Houston and Deery in the area. However the return to form of Barry McNamee, who won man of the match on Tuesday is a welcome boost and he is expected to retain his place. Patrick McEleney also showed that his is back to full fitness on Tuesday and will battle it out for place in the engine room or on the flanks.
Cork enter the game unbeaten in two League games and whilst the side are safe from relegation, they will be looking to push on in the remaining games to close the gap to Shamrock Rovers and also to strengthen the claims of Stuart Ashton to get the job on a full time basis. City need to be aware of the threat of the resurgent Ciaran Kilduff who has rediscovered his touch after joining on loan from Shamrock Rovers. Ashton can also welcome back Daryl Horgan who of course scored a wonder goal earlier this season in the Brandywell.
The game can be followed live on both Drive 105 “Match Night Live” and also BBC Radio Foyle.
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