League Preview: Limerick FC -v- Cork City
- Tom Clancy
- Sun, Sep 21 2014
LIMERICK FC
Martin Russell leads his side into a Munster Derby for the first time since taking charge in July, with kick-off at 5.30pm at Thomond Park. While results have still been somewhat up and down under the Dubliner, fans seem somewhat more content with performances and the style of play of late.
A win will keep the Blues in contention for a top half finish, something which they’ll have been disappointed not to achieve last season. As Cork City finished in 6th place last season, fans have the right to be optimistic about greater things for the entirety of 2015. It was at this stage 12 months ago that Limerick all but handed the title to St. Pats by beating Dundalk, and beating Cork will almost certainly hand Stephen Kenny’s side more silverware.
Ex-City man Shane Duggan as well as the tireless Jason Hughes are both suspended for Limerick. Ian Turner, who has impressed since his loan-switch in early July, is unavailable against his parent club. Jack Doherty and Prince Agyemang may be called in to replace the local absentees.
Martin Russell recognises the importance of the game; “We want to do the best that we can to get a result for Limerick Football Club and if that stops Cork in their tracks then so be it. We understand that Cork have done very well this season and they are still in with a real chance of winning the league – all credit to them. But we’ll be doing our utmost to finish the season strongly.
A positive result would be memorable for Limerick, who’ve not gained results against the top two this season, while also getting one over on their nearest neighbours with whom they share an intriguing sporting rivalry.
CORK CITY
With every passing week, the games get bigger, and Cork know that nothing less than their fourth win of the season against Limerick will do. A win will reduce Dundalk’s gap to just three points, with five games each remaining this season. The Rebel Army have enjoyed three facile wins against the Blues, the latter coming in late June.
John Caulfield will have to replace suspended duo of Darren Dennehy and Garry Buckley, the latter having extended his deal with the Club earlier this week. John O’Flynn and Gavin Kavanagh are doubts but both are likely to be involved come kick-off time tomorrow.
Speaking to CorkCityfc.ie, Caulfield expressed concerns over the surface, “Thomond Park is a fantastic stadium, but from a crowd point of view, and potentially a surface point of view (after the rugby match), it will be a difficult game. I’m hoping that we can be positive, take the game to Limerick and hopefully come out on top.
“Like in the Shamrock Rovers match, we have to have the right intensity, the right focus and hope that we can deliver and keep the pressure on Dundalk. What we are trying to do firstly is to qualify for Europe, and secondly, see can we keep the pressure on Dundalk and maybe take it to the last game of the season; if we don’t get results over the next few weeks, we won’t do that.”
While the Corkman is playing down his side’s title chances, a win on Sunday could be enough to remind Dundalk that the title will not be won with ease.
Referee: Derek Tomney
MATCH STATS
Limerick haven’t drawn a game since early May, when they tied with Shamrock Rovers.
Seven of Rory Gaffney’s 10 League goals have come since Martin Russell became Manager in July.
The Rebels have kept eight clean sheets on their League travels in 2014.
The last time City won by more than a goal, was the 3-0 victory over Limerick in late June.
BETTING
Limerick 13/5; Draw 12/5; Cork City 21/20 (Bet365.com)
PREDICTION
Limerick 1-1 Cork City
Limerick FC
Injured: None
Doubtful: Stephen Folan, Robbie Williams
Suspended: Jason Hughes, Shane Duggan
Cork City
Injured: Michael Rafter
Doubtful: John O’Flynn, Gavin Kavanagh
Suspended: Garry Buckley, Darren Dennehy
About Tom Clancy
Introduced to the League of Ireland in 2005, Tom has seen Limerick play at four different grounds down the years. He began writing for Extratime in late 2013 and was delighted to report on the …