14 March 2016, 9am
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Cork City will be looking to bounce back from Friday night’s defeat to Derry City, as they welcome Longford Town to Turner’s Cross on Monday night.
A second half Ronan Curtis goal was the difference at the Brandywell, to consign City to their first away league defeat since August. City’s last game at Turner’s Cross was their opening day win against Bohemians, with Sean Maguire scoring both. The visitors have also recorded one win and one defeat in their opening two games; they opened their season with a 2-0 win away to Wexford Youths, but went down 1-0 at home to St. Patrick’s Athletic on Friday night thanks to a second half strike by Christy Fagan.
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, City manager John Caulfield said his side will need to play well to get the three points: “We are playing Longford tomorrow night and it is a big game for us. Every week, you have to earn the right to three points, there are no easy games. Against any team in this league, if you are not ready, you will leave points behind you.”
“Longford went to the cup semi-finals last year, Tony is the longest serving manager in the league and he has done very well there. They have a strong squad, they had a good win in Wexford on the opening day, and it will be a difficult game for us.”
“They will come down, be tight and try to hit us on the counter-attack. We have to be ready from the start and there are no excuses. Everyone knows that Friday night’s performance was unacceptable, and we need to be on our game tomorrow to get a result.”
“There are lots of guys available, some of them were on the bench and they’re disappointed they haven’t got a run yet, so it is an opportunity tomorrow night for some of them.”
“It’s difficult with the kids being at school, but I am appealing to the fans to come out tomorrow night, because they make a huge difference. The atmosphere against Bohs was fantastic, we need the crowd out in force and we need to get the three points.”
John Kavanagh and Garry Buckley are both still out with injury, while Gavan Holohan is considered a major doubt after suffering a groin strain on Friday night. Greg Bolger will also miss out, after being sent off in the defeat at the Brandywell.
Injury News: John Kavanagh, Garry Buckley, Gavan Holohan.
Suspensions: Greg Bolger.
Last Game: Derry City 1-0 Cork City
Last Meeting: Cork City 2-3 Longford Town
Last Meeting at Turner’s Cross: Cork City 2-3 Longford Town
League Form: L W
