League Preview: Cork City -v- St Patrick's Athletic

CORK CITY

Cork City will be looking for a morale-boosting win this evening when they host St Patrick’s Athletic at Turners Cross (kick-off is at 5pm).

The Leesiders come into the game after earning a credible point away to Finn Harps last weekend in their pursuit to avoid the drop.

And following their battling display in Co. Donegal, their boss Neale Fenn said he is hopeful that his side can back their performance up with a win over Stephen O’Donnell’s Saints.

 “We looked at last week’s draw against Finn Harps as a positive. A lot of people doubted us going up there, thinking that we wouldn’t have the fight in us.

“I think we showed that we did, we created a lot of chances, and after taking the lead it’s disappointing that we couldn’t see it out and take all three points.

“It’s a positive that we played well, so that gives us a bit of confidence heading into the game on Saturday.

“We’re determined to get out of the situation that we’re in. Everyone knows that we need to start picking up points, and the boys are all on board in trying to do that.

“You look at the most consistent team at the moment – Shamrock Rovers,  it’s the same players every week, they do things consistently.

“That’s something we are struggling to do. Putting a consistent team out has been our problem so far.



“Hopefully we can steer clear of injuries and suspensions for the last six games and we can have a good go at it.”

Uniss Kargbo and Cian Bargary are Cork City’s only two injury concerns for this evening’s game.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

After easing past Shelbourne last week, St Patrick’s Athletic take on Cork City at Turners Cross on Saturday evening.

They will have a full squad to choose from ahead of their trip to the Cross, aided significantly by the return of Jamie Lennon who comes back to the fold after being suspended last week.

But despite their swuad looking in fine fettle, Saints midfielder Robbie Benson os wary of the challenge that Cork City pose.



“We saw Cork against Harps last week up in Ballybofey against Finn Harps and they were very good in the game.

“Any fixture in Turner's Cross is always tough. It probably will be an advantage to us that there won't be many fans there as the fans down there can make it quite hostile for the away side.

“But we know they are playing well and fighting for results so we will have to be at our best if we are to get a result.”

In other St Patrick’s Athletic team news, it has been confirmed that Dan Ward has left the club via mutual consent.

 

Referee: Derek Tomney.

 

MATCH STATS

Cork City are without a win in their previous four league games, with their most recent win coming against Sligo Rovers at Turners Cross.

St Patrick’s Athletic ended a 617-minute goal drought last week when they defeated Dublin rivals Shelbourne at Richmond Park.

BETTING

Cork City 10/3; Draw 11/5; St Patrick’s Athletic 6/7.

PREDICTION

Cork City 0 - 1 St Patrick’s Athletic

 

Cork City

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Cian Bargary, Uniss Kargbo.

Suspended: None.

 

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.