Preview: St Patricks Athletic vs Cork City

Top of the table Saint Patrick’s Athletic take on 6th place Cork City at Richmond Park tomorrow. A win would give Pat’s a comfortable 6-point lead at the top and leave would be title challengers Cork 11 points adrift from the summit. Although captain Jamie Harris is back in training, he is not likely to feature, nor is John Frost who is suffering from a hamstring injury. Joe O’Cearuill remains sidelined but first choice goalkeeper Brendan Clarke is fit again having recovered from a back strain. Dessie Byrne is likely to continue to feature in John McDonnell’s plans as Bobby Ryan’s form remains slightly off kilter.

The rebels will be looking to build on their victory 3-0 disposal of Limerick 37 in the League Cup on Tuesday and George O’Callaghan’s goalscoring form will be of concern to Pat’s. Dave Mulcahy (groin), Gareth Farrelly (knee) and Joe Gamble (suspended) are out of action for Cork but manager Alan Matthews will be buoyed by the return of John O’Flynn and Dave Mooney. While aware of the power and strength of Pat’s squad, Matthews remains confident ahead of the clash – “Pat's are deservedly top of the table having had an excellent start. They are currently the best team in the league, and we know we are facing a difficult test at Richmond Park. It will be a tough battle, but we are ready for the task at hand and will look to continue where we left off on Tuesday night against Limerick.”

With the most goals scored and the least goals conceded, it seems unlikely that Pat’s will succumb to the rebels challenge. The game kicks off at 19.00pm.