Rovers v Cork: Preview

Sligo Rovers vs Cork City
SSE Airtricty League
Game 06
Saturday April 02 7:45pm
The Showgrounds
Lowdown
Cork City will provide tough opposition for the Bit o’Red this weekend coming in on the back of a win over champions Dundalk.
From three Showgrounds games so far Rovers have two draws and one defeat and will be looking to get the win.
Opposition
Runners-up in both the SSE Airtricity League and FAI to Dundalk in 2015 Cork began the year by getting a win over their Louth Rivals in the President’s Cup.
They took that into the league on opening night with new signing Sean Maguire scoring two to get a win over Bohs.
However that was followed by a loss to Derry City in their first away game. The reaction has been good too that with an emphatic win over Longford and an impressive three points won at Oriel Park.
Last game
Second half strikes from Mark O'Sullivan and substitute Ross Gaynor saw Cork City take all the points from the Showgrounds on Micky Adams' first outing as Rovers manager.
Rovers had the better of the first half opportunities but were unable to break the deadlock. Morten Nielsen's chip to the back post was headed straight at Mark McNulty by Raffaele Cretaro with 15 minutes played.
The evening saw Jason Hughes make his Showgrounds debut and his vicious drive was claimed by City keeper McNulty on the second attempt, ten minutes from the break.
Cork's Karl Sheppard went close on two occasions during the opening period.
The away side took the lead on 58. Gavin Peers upended former Rovers full back Gaynor at the edge of the area. Brush did well to get a hand to O'Sullivan's shot from the resulting free but could only watch on as the ball found the bottom corner of his net.
Raffaele Cretaro headed over with five minutes remaining as Rovers piled on the pressure.
But it wasn't to be and Gaynor swept home with two to go after Brush blocked Steven Beattie's initial effort.
Rovers: Richard Brush; Alan Keane, Gavin Peers, Tim Clancy, Regan Donelon; Sander Puri (Gary Armstrong 71), Jason Hughes, Gary Boylan, Raffaele Cretaro; Morten Nielsen, Dinny Corcoran (Ruairi Keating 71).
Team news
Rovers: Suspended – Phil Roberts. Doubtful – Gavin Peers, Tim Clancy
Cork City: Suspended – Grag Bolger. Injured - John Kavanagh, Garry Buckley, Alan Bennett, Colin Healy, Gearóid Morrissey.
Quotes
Dave Robertson:
Raff Cretaro:
Head-to-head
Overall |
Total |
Last |
Rovers wins |
13 |
13/04/13 |
Cork City wins |
32 |
08/08/15 |
Draws |
13 |
07/03/15 |
Showgrounds |
Total |
Last |
Rovers wins |
8 |
13/04/13 |
Cork City wins |
16 |
08/08/15 |
Draws |
6 |
07/03/15 |
Officials
Referee: Robert Harvey
Assistant referees: Wayne McDonnell & Trevor Conlon
Fourth official: Ray Matthews
Coverage
Live radio commentary on Ocean FM, also available worldwide on oceanfm.ie
Live updates of every kick on our Twitter account, @sligorovers
Programme:
Available with all the regular features for €4
Sponsors
Match: Supermacs
Ball: Callan Tansey Solicitors
Tickets
Tickets will be available at the gate at the following prices:
Adult: €15
Student/OAP: €10
Kids under 12: €5
All major credit and debit cards will be accepted at the gate.