| St. Pats to Frustrate Cork at Turners
Cross By David O’ Connor
Cork City FC V's St. Patricks Athletic, Turners Cross 7.45pm
Not so long ago, this was a battle of past love, a battle of wits and
pay-back time for Pats fans who remained bitter following Pat Dolan’s departure.
Now with Irish football’s biggest personality gone, it’s Damien Richardson
who tries to write a new chapter into the history of Cork City FC and following
the rugged start to this year’s campaign the Leesiders will look to put
pressure on Derry City and Shelbourne.
Last week, Richardson was in a sweat over the condition of goalkeeper
Michael Devine (knee) and striker Dennis Behan (ankle) but both should be
fit for the visit of Johnny McDonnell’s St. Pats side.
While Cork sit close to the champions at the top of the Eircom Premier
Division it’s important they maintain the standard that lead to a mouth-watering
title race last season. But the results at Turners Cross need to improve
if City are to chase hard again this year.
Two weeks ago, Drogheda stole all three points and although Richardson
watched his side take the game to Drogs, there were no complaints with the
outcome.
St. Patricks meanwhile are enjoying a no-pressure spell in 2005. Honours
aren’t expected from the Inchicore faithful as McDonnell continues to build
and make the most of what he has. Ger Rowe continues to excite and with
experienced journeymen such as Barry Prenderville and Stephen Caffrey, the
Saints continue to push for a respectable mid-table finish.
Robbie Doyle remains a doubt for the visitors following a family bereavement,
but St. Pats will look to unsettle Cork and one point will suit the league
team of the ’90s. City, on the other hand, need a win.
Verdict: Draw.
Derry City V's Waterford United, Brandywell 7.45pm, Friday
Stephen Kenny saw his Derry City side lose the last 100 per cent record
in the top flight two weeks ago and having collapsed against Shamrock Rovers
last time out at the Brandywell, three points this time round will be expected
from the Red-and-White Army.
Kenny has spoken of the revitalisation of world-weary veterans all thanks
to the in-flux of youth in Derry and now his localised side that includes
the impressive Mark Farren and Brian Cash, City are chasing honours and
not survival.
The Blues, however, following their strong start, seem phased by talk
of Daryl Murphy’s transfer to England. Alan Reynolds and Co need to pick
up points away from home and a stubborn performance is required.
Verdict: Home win
Shamrock Rover's V's Bray Wanderers, Dalymount Park 7.45 pm, Friday
Following their victory against Derry City a fortnight ago, the Hoops
season grew legs and with news of their players receiving full payment prior
to their trip north, it may well have grown arms too. But with on-going
financial disputes in the background, anything Roddy Collins men achieve
on the pitch will be overshadowed.
The team is getting better though. Jason Gavin and Jason McGuinness are
strong at the back and Pat McCourt has displayed a little more of what he
can do with the ball in recent weeks. Trevor Molloy will continue to torment
whoever gets in his way and this Friday it’s Bray Wanderers who look to
bury Rovers chances of a resurrection.
Gone are the glory days for Shamrock Rovers but in facing a team as evenly
matched, it’s all there for the taking in Dalymount Park.
Verdict: Away win
UCD V's Bohemians, Belfield Park 7.45pm, Friday
With one eye on fellow relegation battlers Shamrock Rovers, Gareth Farrelly
is under pressure to build on a poor start. Bohs needed an own goal from
Jonathon Minnock to give them their first victory against Finn Harps and
now a tough trip to Belfield awaits.
It’s getting tougher at the bottom but with talent like Kevin Hunt and
Tony Grant as well as young guns like Stephen Rice and Stephen Ward, Bohs
need to be more positive in their approach. They’ve been unlucky with injuries
but that’s football and on Friday they could well be unlucky again.
Verdict: Draw
Shelbourne V's Finn Harps, Tolka Park 8pm, Friday
If Felix Healy could hide away this Friday, without much hesitation he
probably would. Finn Harps are struggling with the demands of top-flight
football and a visit to Tolka park won’t do much to entice talk of survival.
Harps have lacked passion and with Shels finding the balance quickly,
the Donegal men will remain at the bottom this weekend.
Shels supporters have been excited with the return of former Cameroon
international Joey Ndo and Pat Fenlon has a full squad to choose from. Wes
Hoolahan continues to dominate and with Jason Byrne et al Harps’ defence
will have a busy night. A first-half lesson for Finn Harps will allow The
Reds to take a breather in the latter stages.
Verdict: Home win.
Longford Town v Drogheda United, Flancare Park 7.45 pm, Saturday
Longford fans may have thoughts on Setanta Cup glory, but the bread-and-butter
of domestic soccer comes first and Alan Matthews needs a big performance
from his team. In the middle of the park, Dean Fitzgerald and Davy Byrne
have been in excellent form. So too has the front pairing of Dessie Baker
and Andy Myler.
Drogheda meanwhile have had it mixed this year, superb one week, unbearable
the next. This week it’s the Drogheda United that plays good football that’s
needed. Doolin isn’t under pressure just yet, but with the signings made,
expectations remain high.
Verdict: Draw.
|
