League Preview: Galway United -v- Cork City

GALWAY UNITED

The Tribesmen will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the First Division table to five points when they host Cork City at Eamonn Deacy park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

In their last outing they made it seven wins on the bounce when they beat Athlone Town 3-0 on the banks of the Corrib.

A sluggish first half had the home side possibly worried last Friday night but a professional performance in the second half saw goals from Alex Murphy, David Hurley and substitute Ronan Manning secure the points for John Caulfield’s side.

That win, and Cork City’s draw to Wexford last week meant the Tribesmen finally hit the top of the table this season and they now sit two points clear – setting up a massive game against the Rebels tomorrow night.

“The team have played well over the last couple of months,” Caulfield told the club’s media team.

“We know how big of a challenge it is on Friday night but we are really looking forward to having our biggest crowd of the season.

“I am appealing to the supporters to get into the ground early and create a fantastic atmosphere – we are all looking forward to the game.”

CORK CITY

The Rebels head into Friday night having been knocked off their perch at the top of the First Division for the first time since the season began.

Last weekend they dropped two points when they hosted Wexford at Turner’s Cross

 Although they held the lead going into half time courtesy of a Kevin O’Connor goal in the 22^nd minute.

Ian Ryan’s men rallied early in the second period however, and Conor Davis brought the sides back to level terms and that’s how it remained.

Colin Healy’s side have done little wrong all season with just one loss to their name, coming against Friday’s opponents when they met at the Cross earlier in the season.

They have an impressive unbeaten run going too and they will be disappointed to have allowed the Tribesmen get ahead of them in the title race even at this early stage of the season.

This will be a tough battle for both and is by no means a foregone conclusion, but the Rebels haven’t necessarily been themselves in recent weeks with Athlone Town running them very close only two weeks ago - City required an injury time winner to escape with the three points on the night.

They head to Galway as the slight underdogs tomorrow night, but with three meetings between the sides left there is plenty of time for a few twists and turns between now and October.

Referee: Oliver Moran

MATCH STATS

Cork City are unbeaten in 13 games.

Galway United are on a seven-game winning streak, and they are unbeaten in nine games.

The Tribesmen are unbeaten at home so far this season, while the Rebels are unbeaten away from home.

PREDICTION

Galway United 1–0 Cork City

Galway United

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

Cork City

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.