Preview: Cork City vs Derry City
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Cork City go in search of their first league win of the season tomorrow night as they entertain one of the league’s early pace setters – Derry City to Turners Cross.
It’s been a difficult start for Alan Matthews’ reign as Cork City boss. City, despite enjoying the majority of possession in all their games so far have struggled in front of goal. Indeed only new signing George O’Callaghan has found the net for the Rebel Army so far this term – scoring all three of City’s goals since competitive action began. Dave Mooney had so far struggled with the extra attention that comes with having scored 22 goals the previous term while Denis Behan and John O’Flynn have struggled at various times in an attempt to gel with the new man. However in contrast Cork’s defense has looked rock solid no matter who has played – it’s the midfield where most of the debate is centred on at the moment.
In truth, Matthew’s has an embarrassment of riches. Gamble, O’Callaghan Healy and Kearney looks like being the selection again – however with O’Callaghan looking like he is wasted on the right wing, expect some type of positional switch from the Cork boss.
Derry on the other hand come to Turner’s Cross full of confidence after garnering six points from their opening two games. If Cork City’s opening two games of the season were dull – Derry’s were anything but. An opening 3-2 away victory against UCD and a competitive 2-1 north east Derby win over Finn Harps have made the northern outfit value for money if nothing else. However Stephen Kenny will not be totally happy with his side’s defending at times and critics will point out to two unconvincing displays. Kenny – will point to the six points in the bag however and another point or three tomorrow night will have the league sitting up and taking notice that perhaps he can repeat his heroics of two seasons ago.
Kenny is however in the middle of small injury crises with regards to his goalkeepers – Irish U-21 international Darren Quigley has been ruled out with a hand injury with off season signing from Total Network Solutions Gerard Doherty becoming his solution for tomorrow nights game.
City for their part still have to operate with out Billy Woods and Gareth Farrelly with knee and ankle problems but will welcome back Danny Murphy to the squad after serving a suspension in the Setanta cup and he may expect to regain his place in the starting XI.
So with the pubs and shops closed for the religious holiday it’s the Faithful from the two City’s that meet in the shadow of Christ the King church near Turners Cross. The majority of an expected large congregation, hoping to be inside the ground - for a 7.45 kick-off.
