It has been a decent few weeks for Cork City in a season of turmoil in which they have found themselves seemingly on the brink of relegation back to the First Division.
Despite their young winger Cathal O’Sullivan picking up an ACL injury in July’s 3-2 loss away to Sligo Rovers, the Rebels have not lost any of their last three games against Galway United, Derry City, and Waterford in the FAI Cup.
This has largely been helped by the return to fitness of Seán Maguire, who scored in his first two appearances since his return against the Bit O’ Red and the Tribesmen.
This run has happened in spite of the additional absences of Ruairí Keating and Greg Bolger, who picked up their injuries earlier in the season.
Although the First Division champions find themselves propping up the Premier Division table, they will be full of renewed confidence against a Bohemians side struggling for form when the two sides meet on Friday night.
Bohs come into Friday’s fixture in pretty horrendous form, having been knocked out of the FAI Cup by Sligo Rovers last Friday, having not won in the league since July’s home win over Galway United.
Draws against European challengers Derry City and champions Shelbourne, as well as St. Patrick’s Athletic, and a draw and defeat at home to Sligo Rovers in the League and Cup respectively have contributed to the North Dublin side winning just three of their last ten fixtures in the Premier Division, with losses to Waterford and Drogheda United also mixed in as well.
James McManus was the difference-maker the last time these two sides met at Dalymount, however he has now since been loaned out to Sligo Rovers. Archie Meekison and Dayle Rooney were the goalscorers as Bohs won the last fixture at all between the sides at Turners Cross.
This fixture could have huge ramifications should either side win. A win for Cork City would bring them within just four points of Sligo Rovers, should the Bit O’ Red lose away to Waterford, and would result in Bohemians slipping down the table if Drogheda United beat St. Patrick’s Athletic.
Shelbourne would also have an opportunity to catch up with their game in hand, as their fixture on Friday was postponed due to their UEFA Conference League tie with Linfield.
Image Credit: Darren O’Hanlon