Cork City take on Kerry FC in crucial Munster derby

After hobbling over the finish line against Athlone Town on Monday, Cork City’s attention now shifts to a Munster derby with Kerry FC tonight at 7.45pm in Turner’s Cross.

And this one will come with a little bite, especially after the way City’s last trip to Kerry ended.

“Yeah, we're really looking forward to it,” said manager Barry Robson after the win over Athlone. “Especially after the last time we were down there, the way they celebrated.

“So the players know that as well, the way they were when we were down there, the way they were jumping and shouting. So it's a game we're really looking forward to when they come back here to Turner’s Cross.” The last outing was on May 4, when City headed to Kerry after seeing their unbeaten run end at home to Cobh Ramblers. They arrived keen to get back on track, and did anything but.

Kerry arrived into that fixture with one win in 13 games. A goal from Niall Brookwell put Kerry ahead early, and City couldn’t find a way back, even after a 74th minute sending off for Cian Bargary.

It was a disappointing 1-0 defeat, and one that sparked Kerry into life. Since that game, they’ve won nine in 14. Kerry have lost one of their previous nine. They have won 4-0 and 3-0 in their last two. Kerry’s form, by all accounts, has been exceptional.

Given that City are coming into this one having looked off colour in the second half of their bank holiday Monday win over Athlone, Kerry will be primed and ready for tonight’s visit.

And much of Cork City’s display earlier in the week was concerning. Their start was immense, they raced away into a 3-0 lead, and still ended up almost missing out on the points.

“I think it was an absolute masterclass for about 40, about 35 minutes there,” Robson added. “Honestly, everything we wanted to be, the pressing, the structure, we were cutting through them. Absolutely brilliant, honestly as good as we've been.

“And then we probably had a five or ten minute period first half and then the first 15 minutes of second half where we didn't play well. And then I thought towards the end there, I thought the last 10 minutes, I thought we were in control again. We started being a sensible team by just passing the ball and killing the game.

“But we should never have let them back into it the way we did. And especially playing so well.” It was a concerning finish, and yet, the result meant that City’s lead at the top of the table had increased to 20 points over second-placed Bray Wanderers.

While Kerry’s form ensures they now occupy a playoff spot, they still sit five points adrift of Bray. With only ten games left in the season, the Leesiders should be able to get over the line irrespective of tonight’s result.

Though remaining on track and getting the better of Kerry would go a long way in ensuring that feat.

“We need to win the league,” Robson remarked. “We need to go and win it. Nobody takes it easy here. I've said that to the players. Nobody.

“We need to make sure this is mathematically done because I know what football can bring. So we need to go and try and win this as soon as we can.” Donal O’Connor’s departure – despite the transfer fee – is another considerable blow to an already thin squad. They haven’t added enough depth to the side if their form does dip, they could find themselves in trouble.

Even if Cork City’s win-rate did drop below 50% for the remainder of the year, they’re more than likely to see it out, and that’s solely for the fact there has been no sustained challenge from any of the teams below.

Bray currently sit second but they’re tied on points with UCD, and neither side have won more than three of their last five. The gap from second to tenth remains smaller than the gap from second to first.

The previous two wins have been pivotal for City, it’s given them a much-needed buffer. They must see it out.