General
- Thursday May 8th, 2014 @ 18:18
Team News: Pat's V Cork City
It's second against third in Richmond Park on Friday night as the Saints host the Rebels with both sides looking for a victory to leave them at the top of the SSE Airtricity League (kick-off 7.45pm).
With current league leaders Dundalk in action in the Setanta Sports Cup final against Sligo Rovers this weekend, the Saints have the chance to be sitting top after this weekend's league fixtures.
For their part, Cork also could be sitting in first place with a win against Liam Buckley's Saints, with John Caulfield's Rebel Army looking to also bounce back from last week's 4-0 defeat away to Dundalk.
Ahead of Friday's clash, Saints' manager Liam Buckley confirmed that both Derek Foran (knee) and Mark Quigley are both injured and unavailable for the game. In better news for the Saints, Ken Oman has returned to training following a spell on the sidelines.
Following last week's 2-2 in Sligo, Buckley admitted to stpatsfc.com that he wanted his side to return to winning ways – this after his side had put in a fantastic performance to come back from a one goal deficit at half-time in the Showgrounds, only to be pegged back by a Danny North penalty in the last few minutes of the game.
“Last Saturday evening's 2-2 draw in Sligo was a good result from the point of view that it's a very difficult place to go,” Buckley stated. “However, I felt the lads played very well on the evening, particularly in the second half, and a victory wouldn't have flattered us.”
“On Friday's clash with Cork, we know it'll be tough as John Caulfield has his side performing well. Ever since the first game of the season when we came away from Turner's Cross with a 1-1 draw, Cork City have been very impressive. They have added a number of quality players during the off-season and we're well aware that tonight's match will be up there with the sternest of tests.”
Speaking after claiming the accolade of SWAI Player of the Month for April in Richmond Park earlier today, Saints' midfielder Chris Forrester outlined that he is expecting a competitive game against Caulfield's side, one similar to the 1-1 draw in Turners Cross in the Saints' league opener back in March.
“It'll be a tough game, but I think we have enough in us to go and win the game if we play the way we can. Obviously Cork have a strong squad, they're going to do well against us as they've a balanced squad. Overall it will be tough, but if we play the way we can, we can edge it.”
