Under pressure Cork City need a response against new league leaders UCD
Cian Bargary of Kerry looks to put pressure on Conor Drinan, Cork City during their First Division clash at Mounthawk Park. Picture: Domnick Walsh
In the span of a week, Cork City’s season has gone from on track and on course for a Premier Division return, to being on the verge of derailment as the pressure mounts ahead of tonight’s game against UCD.
Two disappointing results – first a home defeat to Cobh Ramblers, City's first league loss of the season, followed by a worrying performance away to Kerry FC – gave UCD room to jump the Leesiders and take the lead.
There have been several games this season where City have struggled to convert chances, and Barry Robson has been open about his frustrations. Even in those games, however, they were always in control of proceedings. But Monday’s Kerry performance was absolutely the worst of all.
For the first time this season, Cork City genuinely looked second best for the entire game. The only spell in which they were more of a threat than Kerry was after Cian Bargary had been sent off and they pushed for an equaliser in the closing minutes.
And now, with UCD visiting the Cross this evening, Cork City need to get the win if they're to regain their spot at the top of the table. The sides are level on 27 points, but UCD's +13 goal difference places them first, though City still have a game in hand to come.
William O’Connor’s UCD have been very impressive in the early stages of the season.
After a slow start – one win, three defeats and a draw from the opening five games – the Students have been on a remarkable run, winning six of their last eight and drawing two. Their last defeat was that 1-0 loss to City back in March at the UCD Bowl, when Cillian Murphy netted in the second half to score his first senior goal for Cork City.
Since then, UCD have not lost. Last time out they got the better of Cobh Ramblers, coming back from 1-0 down to win 2-1 following two second-half goals. Ciaran Behan scored the first, while the second was an own goal from Breandeán Frahill. Carl Lennox was dismissed late on for UCD after receiving two yellow cards, but they held on to beat Fran Rockett’s Cobh side at St Colman’s Park.
Prior to that Cobh win, they defeated both Longford Town and Finn Harps at home and beat Treaty United away.
City have missed Rory Feely's presence in defence over the past few games, but his injury is not expected to be long term. Cillian Murphy returned from injury against Kerry, but the loss of Greg Bolger is a considerable blow.
Bolger's performances this season have been integral to City. He has been so consistent in midfield alongside Darragh Crowley that replacing him is not straightforward. Niall O’Keeffe was brought in to replace him on Monday, while AJ Bridge was given a run for the last half an hour.
Minutes have been limited for the pair, though. It seems as though Robson doesn’t yet trust them, but the fact that O’Keeffe played 87 minutes against Kerry suggests he might retain his spot. He certainly didn’t look too far off the pace.
Their results up to the past two games had been great, but given performances weren’t picking up at a sharp enough rate, the last two games have completely shifted the mood around the club.
UCD arrive at Turner's Cross with nothing to lose. It couldn’t be timed any better for them. But for City, failure to pick up a win this evening could be detrimental for the season ahead.
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