22 September 2017
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Cork City return to league action tonight, as they travel to the Markets Field to face Limerick.
Having had no fixture last weekend due to the EA Sports Cup Final, City’s last outing was a 4-1 win away to Longford Town in the FAI Cup, a result that has seen them drawn to face Friday’s opposition in the semi-final just a week later. Limerick were in action last weekend, as they drew 1-1 away to Bray Wanderers.
Speaking ahead of the game, City boss John Caulfield said: “All of the teams in the bottom half of the table are fighting for their lives. Neil has come in and has put his own stamp on the team; we face them again in the cup semi-final and they have had a fantastic win over Galway in the last round to get there. Last week, they drew away to Bray, so we are under no illusions that they are on a good run of form and it will be a difficult tie for us.”
“Limerick have some very talented players in the likes of Duggan, Lynch, Tosi and Ogbene, but, at the same time, we have been working hard for the last few weeks. We had a great win away to Longford and we know that we will have to play at our maximum; we know if we do that, we will have an opportunity to win the match.”
“It’s a Munster Derby and we are at the stage in the season where you have to be at 100% to get results, we are well aware of that. At this stage in the season, every team has something to play for, which is brilliant, so it means that every game is so important. As I always say, there are no easy games in this league and going to Limerick will be a tough game for us.”
Johnny Dunleavy and Alec Byrne are long-term absentees, while Alan Bennett, Garry Buckley and Steven Beattie have all had knocks and will be assessed ahead of the game.
Injury News: Johnny Dunleavy, Alec Byrne, Garry Buckley, Steven Beattie, Alan Bennett
Last meeting: Cork City 4-1 Limerick
Last game: Longford Town 1-4 Cork City
League Form (most recent game first): L W L W L W
