26 May 2017
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Cork City head into their third game in seven days when they face Shamrock Rovers at Turner’s Cross tonight.
The Leesiders extended their unbeaten run in the league to 15 games and come into this fixture against Shamrock Rovers on the back of a comfortable 5-0 victory over Drogheda United last Friday and a hard fought 2-1 win away to Sligo Rovers on Monday night.
City have now scored 25 goals in 8 games at home this season and have put back-to-back 5-0 home victories together, having seen off both Drogheda United and Finn Harps in recent weeks.
The sides’ previous meeting took place at Tallaght Stadium on St. Patricks Day, where City ran out 2-1 winners with Sean Maguire scoring both goals.
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, John Caulfield said: “To us, every game is a big game and this already looks like it’s going to be a full house. Shamrock Rovers are always a great attraction. The challenge for us is that we keep performing at our level. If we under-estimate or disrespect anyone then we will be in trouble.”
“Stephen Bradley came in midway through last season and laid his foundations. They have since went out and invested massively in the off season. They have brought in some real quality players, Finn, Connolly, Lopes, McAllister and Burke. They had 7/8 good players and have now brought in about 10 real quality players. We expect a massive challenge”
On the injury front Garry Buckley will be assessed before the game. He was due to play Monday night but was forced to withdraw. Karl Sheppard, Steven Beattie and Gearóid Morrissey have trained this week, but will all be assessed ahead of the game tomorrow.
Injury News: Karl Sheppard, Gearóid Morrissey, Steven Beattie, Garry Buckley.
Suspensions: None.
Last game: Sligo Rovers 1-2 Cork City
Last meeting: Shamrock Rovers 1-2 Cork City
League Form (most recent game first): W W D W W W
