Cork City (A)

Our third and final trip to Turners Cross this season is likely to be the last for some time (at least until the 2025 Munster Cup final, we hope!) as Kerry travel to take on the runaway First Division leaders. While the Rebel results are irreproachable, the style of football on display hasn't entirely pleased the home support, with three 1-0 wins ground out from their most recent four outings. Jack Doherty started the campaign as the club's marquee signing and dominated the first encounter between the sides, but in recent weeks teenage sensation Cathal O'Sullivan has come to the fore, and he'll have to be tightly watched by the Kingdom back line. Speaking of which, Andy Spain remains the only injury concern, but should he be passed fit, an unchanged line-up from last Friday's superb performance at St Colman's Park can be expected, with the returning Kennedy Amechi having to settle for a place on the bench. That cup win was undoubtedly Kerry's most complete display of the season, and taking our chances in front of goal definitely doesn't seem to be an issue any longer, so if we can maintain that momentum and level of performance into Friday, there's no reason why a draw can't be brought back from Leeside.

Cork City away is a good test with Bohemians coming down the tracks. Spain's inclusion is important if Kerry are to keep a clean sheet. We cannot always be depending on Kelliher. McGrath, Okwute or Amechi might have to come up with a goal.
There is no harm in going with a defensive approach. Be hard to beat and take things from there. The performance away to Cobh last week should set a standard.

Even with Williams' departure seemingly imminent, it's odd he wouldn't have played a final game tonight?

Planning ahead without him? Tonight is the dress rehearsal for the FAI Cup Third Round. Finn Barrett is an interesting selection. Hope it works out.

Where is Tutta and Daire McCarthy, are they heading out the door too? Unless injured or suspended of course?

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Originally Posted by Zico

Where is Tutta and Daire McCarthy, are they heading out the door too? Unless injured or suspended of course?

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Haven't heard tbh.

Scoreless at half time. Doherty had a couple of early chances. Gleeson hit the crossbar and a later shot went over the crossbar.

Elsewhere, Gaxha has scored for Athlone. Next up for Kerry!

Incredible how the referee has dished out 7 yellows and a red in a game that has hardly had a bad tackle.. both Teahans 2 yellows were harsh, along with most of the other 6 yellows!!! Incredible.

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Originally Posted by Zico

Where is Tutta and Daire McCarthy, are they heading out the door too? Unless injured or suspended of course?

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Word has it that McCarthy might be leaving. Tuta picked up an injury last week in the Cup win over Cobh.

Shame if he is leaving, has been brilliant for us. No surprise if Galway want him back though or perhaps loan him elsewhere with a fee involved to balance the books given Greg Cunningham’s apparent weekly wage!!!

Crowe has done really well since signing and looks a player that can grow with Kerry over time (like most of our young team are now).

Brave performance tonight, really it was a scrapy deflected free in the 70min that decided the game. City created not a lot really and our shape and application frustrated them for long periods. That said I think if city were in this division last season they would have finished 3rd. They are a very average team and will come straight back down unless they spend heavy.

Amazing to learn Finn Barrett is only 17 - certainly had nothing to be shamed of in his performance, and looks like he'll get every opportunity to cement his place between now and the end of the season.

It was a scrappy and sloppy first goal to concede. The second goal was disappointing as well. Kerry have to be more alert in these situations. Harsh second card dished out to Teahan. Positive contributions from Crowe and Barrett.
Away to Athlone next. With Athlone currently second, it is the next best test after Cork ahead of the FAI Cup Third Round. Kerry should be ready as they can be for that.
Treaty won last night. They have opened up a gap. Kerry will probably need to win their next two league games, Athlone away and Cobh home, if they are to catch Treaty.