John Caulfield wary of Sligo as Cork City bid to keep heat on Dundalk
The match comes a day after it was confirmed City’s potentially decisive clash with the leaders, originally scheduled for September 2, will now take place at Oriel Park on October 11, with kick off at 7.05pm. The match will be screened live on RTÉ 2.
Meanwhile, Cork go into tonight’s game on the back of a winning streak of six in all competitions but, while Sligo’s last outing was a 4-0 mauling away to Bray Wanderers, John Caulfield needs no reminding Dave Robertson’s side inflicted a costly defeat on his team at Turner’s Cross in August.
“They came down here a few weeks ago and won 2-1,” says the City boss. “They have some very good players and some very experienced players too. They’re a very good side and their home form is very good - we haven’t beaten them yet this season.
“They have a good manager and they play good football, so he will expect a massive reaction from them (after the Bray defeat). He will have them gee-d up and I expect they will come out to attack us. We have to look after ourselves and do the business, that is why our win at Finn Harps was a crucial one.
“The last few years have shown points will be dropped in the run-in, so it’s a case of giving everything you have and taking each game as it comes. Other results may change the standings in the table but, ultimately, it is in our own hands.”
Kenny Browne returns from suspension for the Rebels, but Steven Beattie misses out after his red card in Ballybofey. Kevin O’Connor and Alan Bennett are both suffering from knocks, and will be assessed ahead of the game. Sligo hope to have Kieran Sadlier available after he missed the match in Bray but they will be without Craig Roddan and Regan Donelon through suspension. Tonight’s other game in the SSE Airtricity League is a First Division Munster derby between Cobh Ramblers and Waterford United at St Colman’s Park, kick-off 7.15pm.
