FAI.ie
Cork looking to narrow gap - 28 October 2002
Cork City can narrow the gap on runaway Premier Division leaders Bohemians to just six points when the two teams clash before another 8,000 sell-out crowd at Turners Cross in the pick of a full programme of eircom League fixtures starting on Friday night.
Fresh from that first away win in nine attempts in Cup and league games this season thanks to that 3-2 victory over Bray Wanderers last Friday, Liam Murphy's Cork team will be anxious to make inroads on Bohs nine point lead.
With a match in hand, Cork also have an equally demanding fixture against St Patrick's Athletic at Richmond Park the following Monday night. Six points from those two games would leave Cork just three points behind Stephen Kenny's Bohs side who are still unbeaten side with that impressive record of nine wins and five draws in 14 league games.
There will be three matches in Dublin the same night with clubs either very much up to step up their bids for a European place next season or hoist themselves out of the dreaded relegation zone.
Derry City will put their celebrations on hold after Sunday's FAI Carlsberg Cup final 1-0 victory over Shamrock Rovers at Tolka Park when they travel back to Dublin for their meeting with St Patrick's Athletic at Richmond Park. Victory would put the Inchicore men right back in the hunt for a European place.
Second placed Shelbourne, currently eight points behind Bohemians, will be hoping that that Shamrock Rovers are still suffering from a hangover after the disappointment of that Cup final defeat by Derry when the two teams clash in the attractive Dublin derby game at Tolka Park.
Elsewhere Drogheda United will be hoping to end a run of three defeats when they take on fellow strugglers Bray Wanderers at O2 Park while bottom of the table UCD will be happy with nothing less than three points for the visit of Longford Town to Belfield Park.
On Thursday night there is a top of the table clash between Waterford Utd and Dundalk at the R.S.C. - a match certain to bring in one of the biggest crowds of the season on Suirside.
On Friday lowly Kilkenny City will be hoping for only a second win in ten games when they take on Limerick at Buckley Park.
Saturday sees two First Division fixtures down for decision with Cobh Ramblers playing host to Sligo Rovers at St.Colman's Park, while title chasers Finn Harps in action against Galway United in Balllybofey.
The remaining weekend fixtures on Sunday see improving Dublin City take on Kildare County at Santry while bottom club Monaghan United will be in action against Athlone Town at Century Homes Park.
First Division (Thursday Oct. 31).
Waterford Utd, v Dundalk (R.S.C. - 7.30 pm).
Premier Division (Friday Nov.1).
Cork City v Bohemians (Turners Cross - 7.45 pm).
Drogheda Utd. v Bray Wanderers (O2 Park - 8.00 pm).
St Patrick's Athletic v Derry City (Richmond Park - 7.45pm).
Shelbourne v Shamrock Rovers (Tolka Park - 7.45 pm).
UCD v Longford Town (Belfield Park - 7.45 pm).
First Division (Friday, Nov.1)
Kilkenny City v Limerick (Buckley Park - 7.45 pm).
First Division (Saturday, Nov. 2)
Cobh Ramblers v Sligo Rovers (St.Colman;s Park - 7.45 pm).
Finn Harps v Galway United (Finn Park - 7.30 pm).
First Division (Sunday, Nov.3)
Dublin City v Kildare County (Santry Stadium - 2.00 pm).
Monaghan Utd. v Athlone Town (Century Homes Stadium - 3.00 pm).
Premier Division (Monday, November 4)
St Patrick's Athletic v Cork City (Richmond Park - 7.45 pm).
