20 October 2017
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Having secured a first Premier Division title in 12 years on Tuesday night, Cork City travel to Dublin tonight to take on St. Patricks Athletic.
A 0-0 draw with Derry City at Turner’s Cross was enough to secure the league title for John Caulfield’s side. St. Pat’s last outing was a 1-1 draw away to Galway United, while their last home fixture was a 2-2 draw with Limerick.
The sides have met twice so far this season, with City coming out on top in both. The first meeting, at Richmond Park, saw City claim a 3-0 win in April with all of the goals coming in the second half. A first half penalty was the difference when they met at Turner’s Cross, with City running out 1-0 winners in July.
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, City manager John Caulfield said: “We know it is a massive game for St. Pat’s, but we have just won the league and we want to give a good account of ourselves. We want a good performance and we are going out to win the game.”
“I felt that we would do well this year. While you put standards in place and you try to drive the team on, you still need the players to cross the white line and do the business. Thankfully, this year, the boys have been phenomenal, and they deserve everything they get.”
“Everyone that goes out on the pitch tomorrow night will be a league winner and there will be an onus on them to go out and perform to their best. We will make a few changes because there are a few guys with knocks and a few who are exceptionally tired.”
Steven Beattie will miss out after coming off with a groin strain against Derry, as will long-term absentees Johnny Dunleavy and Alec Byrne. A number of other players are being assessed after Tuesday’s game, with decisions on those likely to be made closer to kick-off.
Injury News: Johnny Dunleavy, Alec Byrne, Steven Beattie.
Suspensions: none
Last meeting: Cork City 1-0 St. Patrick’s Athletic
Last game: Cork City 0-0 Derry City
League Form (most recent game first): D D D L L W
