14 April 2017
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
City continued their good start to the season with a 3-0 win over Derry City last time out, making it eight wins from eight in the league so far this campaign. Their last away fixture saw them record a 3-0 win away to Limerick. The home side come into the tie in mixed form, having lost their last two in the league, 4-0 at home to St. Pat’s and 2-0 away to Sligo Rovers, but, prior to that, they had enjoyed a run of three wins in four games.
Speaking at his weekly press conference ahead of the game, City boss John Caulfield said: “You need strength in depth and competition. You can see it already this season, where we have had three or four quality players out and the fellas coming in are just as good. Over a season, you have injuries, suspensions and loss of form, so you need fellas coming in and, thankfully, that is the way it has proved to be so far this season. People might think that gives me headaches, it doesn’t, I just want everyone fit and competing for places. Tough calls are not an issue, it’s all about winning the match and that is what we plan for every week.”
“We have a very strong-willed group here. It’s very simple, you keep doing what you do every week and, if you do that, you have a chance. If you start looking too far ahead and start adding up points that aren’t there, then you run into trouble. For myself and the management, we are very focused and Friday’s game is the most important one for us.”
“I looked at Bohemians the other night. They lost 2-0 to Sligo and it was absolutely anything but a two-nil game. In the second half, Bohs had nine corners and Sligo had one; they were completely in control but just could not get the goal. At the minute, they are in a run where they are not getting results but they played very well and created chances.”
On the injury front, Gearóid Morrissey and Stephen Dooley are doubts, but Johnny Dunleavy and Greg Bolger are back in the squad.
Injury News: Gearóid Morrissey, Stephen Dooley
Suspensions: None
Last away game: Limerick 0-3 Cork City
Last game: Cork City 3-0 Derry City
League Form (most recent game first): W W W W W W W W
