League Preview: Cork City -v- Bohemians

CORK CITY

Cork City inched one step closer to the Premier Division title on Saturday night as Dundalk were held to a 1-1 draw by Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds.

The result means the Leesiders now need just 11 points from 11 games to seal the title, beginning with the visit of Bohemians to Turner's Cross on Monday (kick-off 7.45pm).

On Friday night, City endured a scare when former Rebel Army midfielder Gavan Holohanshot Galway United into an early lead at the Cross.

The Tribesmen led at the break but second-half goals from Garry Buckley and Lee Grace in his own net ensured John Caulfield's side retain their unbeaten league record.

“We have a few tired bodies after Friday night, but the mood and the atmosphere in the squad is fantastic,” Caulfield told the club's website.

“We have a tough week ahead with the game on Monday, a game Friday and another game the following Monday, so we will have to do a bit of rotation.

“Bohs have been a phenomenal away team this season; their away form has been better than their home form and you saw that on Friday night when that they beat Rovers.

“They are always tough and gutsy and they have some excellent players, but we are at home and we are in good form.

“We know there are another important three points on offer that we need to take. It is going to be a tough game, but there are no excuses at this stage in the season.”

Caulfield will be without defenders Alan Bennett and John Dunleavy through injured but will otherwise have a full squad to choose from.

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians arrive at Turner's Cross on the back of a well-deserved 2-1 victory over Shamrock Rovers in the Dublin Derby at Tallaght Stadium on Friday night.

Goals from Ismahil Akinade and Dinny Corcoran ensured the Gypsies avoided the ignominy of a clean sweep of defeats to their closest rivals this season.

The victory didn't come without its costs, however, as captain Derek Pender and Paddy Kavanagh withdrawn with injuries and they won't be risked again so soon.

Goalkeeper Greg Murray again misses out with a hand injury so 16-year-old Kian Clarke will again deputise for Shane Supple.

Manager Keith Long may be forced to make difficult decisions about other members of his part-time squad as they face two games in little over three days.

Akinade, who made his first start in 11 months on Friday after recovering from a condition that saw his spleen removed, may not be risked so soon after making his comeback.

Referee: Rob Rogers

MATCH STATS

Cork City and Bohemians have met just once this season as goals in either half from Karl Sheppard and Garry Buckley condemned the Gypsies to a harsh defeat at Dalymount Park in April.

The sides played three times last year, with City winning two games and the third finishing in a draw. Sean Maguire scored his first two goals for City in the opening day win at Turner's Cross.

BETTING

Cork City 2/7; Draw 9/2; Bohemians 9/1.

PREDICTION

Cork City 3 – 0 Bohemians

Cork City

Injured: Alan Bennett, John Dunleavy.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: Paddy Kavanagh (rib), Greg Murray (hand), Derek Pender (hamstring).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.