League Preview: Galway United -v- Cork City

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United welcome Cork City to Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night in what is a real test for The Tribesmen after a successful start to the season. (Kick-off 7.45pm)

 

United have won three successive home games for the first time since the 1987/88 season scoring six goals in the process. Remarkably, Galway have yet to concede a goal at the Corribside venue.

 

Vinny Faherty’s goal last Friday was enough to see off a stubborn Finn Harps who packed the midfield and kept a high defensive line in what was mostly a dour game. To the untrained eye, Faherty’s fourth of the season looked a tap-in but the move involved 12 passes and six United players - all started by talisman Ryan Connolly. The club captain has never looked in better shape and is a vital cog in the United machine.

 

In team news Armin Agnovic has returned to full training but will not be considered for Friday’s game. Enda Curran has a groin issue while early player of the season candidate Kevin Devaney has a leg infection and is a serious doubt.

 

The team was back in training at 9am on Saturday morning as thoughts already turned to the visits of the Leesiders. For an amateur set up, United are on the right path to a promising season.



 

Unsung hero at centre-back and former club captain Paul Sinnot reckons Galway need to be fearless against the big teams, if they are to make progress as a club.

 

"Looking ahead to the Cork City game, we spoke about in training, we need to be getting points off the top teams in the division. The likes of Cork City and Dundalk. That's our aim!”

 

CORK CITY



Cork have come crashing back down to earth after their 0-1 win over Dundalk at Oriel Park in mid-March. A scoreless draw away to Sligo Rovers and a 1-1 result at home to Wexford Youths last time out, means John Caulfield’s side are sitting mid-table five points off the league champions.

 

The Leesiders do have a game in hand, but they now face four games in the space of two weeks and will not fancy the long trip to Galway seeking three points.

 

Against Youths, Cork’s concentration slipped early in the opening half and Eric Molloy netted the opener on 15 minutes for the First Division champions. Youths battled hard in the second period but Mark O’Sullivan equalized on the 83rd minute to salvage a draw for the home side.

 

Kevin O’Connor will undergo a late fitness test while Alan Bennet and Mark O’Sullivan are doubts for the game against Galway. Michael McSweeney has returned to training but Danny Morrissey looks unlikely to play with a recurring hamstring injury.

 

Speaking to the club’s website, First Team Coach John Cotter knows Galway United at home present a different challenge this season.

 

“They’re very solid at the back, three clean sheets in three home games, there’s not a lot more you can ask for and it will be a tough game for us but we have to be ready for it from the start.”

 

Referee: Mr. Robert Rogers

 

MATCH STATS

Cork have won 31 times from 53 league games against Galway

 

United have three clean sheets from three home games

 

The Leesiders won 1-3 at Eamonn Deacy Park last season

 

BETTING

Galway United 7/2; Draw 23/10; Cork City 5/6

 

PREDICTION

Galway United 1-1 Cork City

 

Galway United

Injured: Armin Aganovic

Doubtful: Kevin Devaney, Enda Curran

Suspended: None.

 

Cork City

Injured: John Kavanagh, Mark O’Sullivan, Danny Morrissey, Kevin O’Connor,

Doubtful: Alan Bennett

Suspended: None

 

    About Padraic Collins

    A long time Galway United fan, Paraic is now in his third year with Extratime.ie. The 32 year old is delighted to see the name ‘United’ return and he recently signed up as the co-editor … View Full Profile