Cork City prepare for their trip to the capital, facing UCD, with the aim of maintaining their unbeaten start.
Barry Robson’s side sit top of table after five games, taking thirteen points from a possible fifteen. Their perfect start was put to an end at the hands of Cobh Ramblers, but the Rebel Army got back to winning ways last Friday. They faced Wayne Groves’ Longford Town, in front of the City faithful. It was far from a vintage City performance, as it took sixty-five minutes for the deadlock to be broken. Seani Maguire’s deflected shot scampered over the line, Longford equalised through Stefan Ugbesia, this was not enough however, as Charlie Lyons rebounded Seani Maguire’s saved penalty to secure the victory for the Leesiders..
The Students are currently in the play-off places, as they reside in 4th, six points off the top. William O’Connor’s men most recently were the victims of a late Richard Ferizaj dagger in the 85th minute, which was enough to make Hugh Smith’s equaliser, count for nothing. UCD’s Éanna Clancy and Ciarán Behan, were put forward for the February First Division Player of the Month for their effort against Kerry, Finn Harps and Treaty United, in the end, the award was won by Seani Maguire.
Key Information:
Kick Off: 19:45, Friday 20th of March
Where to Watch: LOI TV
Betting Odds: UCD @4/1, Draw @11/4, Cork City @8/15
Referee: Darren Corcoran (Sligo)
Team News:
Charlie Hanover is still ridden with a knee injury, while it is unknown when City skipper Fiacre Kelleher will return following his head collision with Cian Coleman at St.Colman’s Park. Conor Drinan was also not included in Barry Robson’s squad for their home tie with Longford Town.
Harry Curtis has not featured for the home side yet this season. Shamrock Rovers loanee Luke O’Regan was also unseen in the squad that faced Bray Wanderers last Friday.
Key Statistics:
In the two sides’ last six meetings, half have ended up with the points being halved.
During the 2024 First Division season, UCD vs Cork City ended 0-0 on two occasions.
Key Players:
Seani Maguire, as previously mentioned, has been named League of Ireland First Division Player of the Month for February, and he has carried that form into March. He is currently the league’s top-scorer, scoring five in his opening five. The ex-Ireland International has showcased immense leadership, hold-up play, close control and ability to get on the end of chances.
Ciarán Behan has been crucial to UCD, with his tally already at three goals for the season, showcasing his ability to score goals, as he’s done through the years. He was nominated for Player of the Month for a reason. His goals isn’t all he has, as he also averages 1.2 key passes per game.
Previous Meetings:
6/9/24 – UCD 0-1 Cork City;
3/6/24 – Cork City 0-0 UCD;
12/4/24 – UCD 0-0 Cork City;
1/3/24 – Cork City 1-0 UCD.