Shelbourne v Cork City (12-7-13)

By Aidan Geraghty @1895Aidan

The rejuvenated Shelbourne welcome Cork City to the capital this Friday night; with an 8pm kickoff time at Tolka Park.

The Reds have picked up 4 points from their last 3 games and have halved the gap between themselves and Bohemians at the bottom of the table since the arrival of Johnny McDonnell as manager. A 0-0 draw last Sunday in Drogheda narrowed the gap further and gave fans confidence that the team is moving in the right direction.

The Rebels have also found a new lease of life, they picked up a 3-1 win at home to the champions last Friday night. Fan-favourite Daryl Horgan took the Leesiders on his back by scoring twice and debutant Ciarán Kilduff also chipped in with a goal.Since the win against Sligo, calls for Tommy Dunne’s head have eased slightly but there is still a sense that the supporters are unhappy with the team’s underachieving and Dunne, whose father (Theo) is a Shelbourne stalwart, will want to pick up another 3 points in Drumcondra in order to keep his job safe.

TEAM NEWS

Shelbourne

Injuries: Paul Crowley (hip), Dean Kelly (hamstring), Mark Leech (ankle).

Doubtful: Robert Bayly (knee), Garreth O’Connor (calf).

Suspensions: None.

Cork City

Injuries: Kevin Murray, Darren Dennehy, Colin Healy, Brian Lenihan, Danny Morrissey.

Doubtful: Danny Furlong, Gearóid Morrissey.

Suspensions: Danny Murphy, Darren Dennehy.

Betting (Terry Rogers)

Shelbourne: 5/2.

Draw: 11/5.

Cork City: Evens.

Prediction

Shelbourne have improved in recent weeks. Cork City haven’t played well despite their win last week and have struggled in matches following a win this season. 1-1 draw.