Cork City seek redemption in FAI Cup clash with Waterford

Ger Nash’s Cork City side face Waterford FC in the FAI Cup Third Round this evening at Turner’s Cross, kick-off 7.45pm, in another Munster Derby clash this season.

The Rebel Army have picked up form recently, securing four points from their last two games, including two clean sheets.

Prior to picking up their first league win in months – a victory over Galway United at the Cross – Cork City suffered a frustrating defeat to Sligo Rovers after leading 2-0 in a crucial league fixture. That loss left them further adrift at the bottom of the table.

Galway, Sligo, and Cork City currently occupy the three spots below Waterford in the League of Ireland Premier Division. The Blues sit seventh with 34 points from 27 games.

Last time out they were held to a 0-0 draw away from home by Drogheda, while Cork City left The Brandywell with the same score and result against Derry City.

City’s last FAI Cup match saw them secure a 3-0 win over Leicester Celtic, thanks to three second-half goals. That victory followed their previous league meeting with Waterford the week before, when Ger Nash’s side lost 2-0 at the RSC.

On that occasion, Waterford took the lead after 21 minutes after to a costly defensive error from City. Fiacre Kelleher played a risky pass intended for Evan McLaughlin, but Sam Glenfield intercepted and curled a brilliant strike into the top corner.

Before halftime, the Blues struck again as Thomas Lonergan doubled their advantage with his headed goal. Despite promising efforts from Malik Dijksteel – who has since transferred to Scottish side St Mirren – and chances for Kitt Nelson and McLaughlin, Waterford’s Stephen McMullan did well between the posts to keep the visitors at bay.

City’s struggles continued into the second half, but an absence of creativity in the final third, offered little sign of a comeback.

HOME ADVANTAGE

That match was one of four meetings between these teams this year in which the home side has emerged victorious. Waterford will be aiming to reverse that trend tonight.

For City manager Ger Nash, the cup competition presents a fresh opportunity and a chance to push for a quarter-final spot and a late-season cup run.

“It’s a game in a different competition, it's a really big game,” he said, after the draw with Derry. “It’s a great opportunity for us, here's a strong team. Our focus will be reviewing the [Derry City] game, improving, and working hard during the week.

Success in my opinion comes from how you work, day to day, every day.

“We have to have integrity in how we work every day and we do have that, That’s what my focus will be is on having a really good training week, working hard and improving the players.” Injuries continue to challenge City, with several key players sidelined. Long-term absentees Cathal O’Sullivan and Ruairí Keating remain out.

Fiacre Kelleher picked up an injury against Galway United, Kitt Nelson suffered a knock against Derry, and Charlie Lutz required stitches after the draw. These three join the short-term unavailable list that includes David Odumosu, Greg Bolger, Sean Murray, and Charlie Lyons. However, Lutz and Nelson are expected to be available this evening.