Preview: Cork City vs Sligo Rovers

Cork City will be looking to return to winning ways and in the process leap frog Sligo Rovers in the table when they take on the Bit'O'Red on Friday in Turner's Cross (kick-off 19:45). Last week, Cork clawed back a two nil defecit only to lose out to a late goal from S.Pats but City boss Alan Mathews will no doubt have been encouraged by his side’s second half comeback. Speaking to CorkCityFC.ie, Mathews said: “It is disappointing that we have slipped up in our last two league games, especially given the tenacity and persistence that we showed in getting ourselves back on level terms with the league leaders last Sunday.”

John O’Flynn marked his return to the side with a brace in the second half against Pats, and will be in contention for a place in the side, while Dave Mulcahy is also fit to feature as he has returned to training this week following a groin injury. Danny Murphy’s sending off against St. Pat’s means he will miss the tie, but Joe Gamble returns after missing Sunday’s game through suspension. Gareth Farrelly misses out through illness.

Sligo Rovers defeated Shamrock Rovers in the league last Saturday, but a League Cup match mid week against Galway went all the way to penalties, with Sligo eventually losing 6-5. Worse news for Paul Cook were the injuries picked up in that clash. Romauld Boco (Thigh Strain), Anto Murphy (Dead Leg) and Danny Ventre (Hamstring) all picked up their injurys in the game but will all face late fitness tests along with Gavin Peers (Hamstring) who was injured in the victory over Shamrock Rovers. Steve Feeney (Hamstring) and Sean Doherty (Knee) are still long term injuries.

Kick off is 7:45pm.