League Preview: Limerick -v- Cork City

• Tom Clancy
• Fri, May 15 2015




LIMERICK

At half-six on Saturday night, as Limerick kick-off against Cork City, it’s highly likely that the visitors will receive the loudest cheer. Despite the dwindling home support, Limerick have greater problems on the pitch, with the side still without an elusive first League win.

Despite this, Limerick are still within touching distance and landed silverware with a narrow, but well deserved win over Avondale United in the Munster Senior Cup Final. Winning games breathes confidence and fans will be hoping that another side from the rebel county can be overturned by Martin Russell’s side.

Russell seemed pleased with the performance level against Avondale, with Kieran Hanlon, Sean McSweeney and Ross Mann all doing plenty to stake a claim for involvement in this Munster derby.

Full-back Sean Harding, who enjoyed a difficult evening in Limericks 5-0 loss at Turners Cross in March, is a doubt for the game, leaving Shane Costelloe in line for his second start of the season.

Russell will know that his side can cause an upset, though Cork City have a healthy away record, having won two and drawn four on their travels. A win could see the blues off the bottom of the table, a position they've held since losing to Bohemians on opening night.

The tie is the last before the Super Blues finally have a permanent home, with Markets Field set to play host to Drogheda in early June. The hope for the Club is that numbers will increase once Limerick return to the Garryowen venue.

 

CORK CITY

Having suffered criticism following a loss to Dundalk and a far from fluent point against Bohemians, John Caulfield has steadied the boat. Back-to-back wins against Sligo Rovers and Drogheda United means that Dundalk are still within sight, something that will please the large City faithful.

However, dropping points where Dundalk, Longford and Shamrock Rovers have done would be a massive blow to Cork, particularly with the Hoops and the Lilywhites gaining narrow wins last night.

Billy Dennehy, who grabbed a hat-trick on Monday night, enjoyed a fruitful night when these sides last met. Billy, along with brother Darren, helped himself to a brace as Cork kick-started their title charge with a facile victory. The pacey winger now has seven goals in eleven starts, which sees him close in on the 13 he managed in 2014.

As well as Dennehy, Caulfield has seen the influence of Liam Miller grow in recent weeks. Despite having played Dan Murray and John Dunleavy, among others, alongside Miller, the ex-United midfielder looks settled at the heart of the City midfield.

Caulfield will have close to a full squad to choose from, with Ross Gaynor hoping to return to the squad. Alan Bennett (hamstring) and John Dunleavy remain sidelined, however.

Despite Limerick's resistance at home in several outings thus far, it's difficult to see past City making it three wins in a row.
 

Referee: Neil Doyle (Dublin)

 

 

MATCH STATS

The last 15 minutes have proven to be vital for both sides, with 40% of Limerick’s, and 24% of Cork’s goals coming in this period.

 

Cork have won the last four League meetings, having failed to win any of the previous five, between the sides.  

Conor O'Donnell kept his first competitive clean sheet, since joining Limerick against Avondale in the Munster Senior Cup Final, at the 16th attempt.

 

BETTING

Limerick 7/1; Draw 11/4; Cork City 4/11.

 

PREDICTION

Limerick 1-2 Cork City.

 

 

Limerick

Injured: None

Doubtful: Sean Harding

Suspended: None

 

Cork City

Injured: Alan Bennett (hamstring), John Dunleavy (knee)

Doubtful: Ross Gaynor (hamstring)

Suspended: None