Big Four collide on one huge night of football
And our fourfold could help replenish some of your losses from Cheltenham
Cork City and Dundalk have been the two best teams in the Airtricity League for the last two years, with Dundalk always holding the upper hand over the Leesiders. Stephen Kenny’s side had up until the start of this season, been unbeaten in eight games against Cork. That was until the President’s Cup in February when Cork won comfortably. They meet in Oriel Park on Friday as part of our fourfold.
Bohemians vs Wexford Youths – Friday 7:45
Wexford are finding out the hard way that life isn’t as easy in the Irish top tier as it is in its second. Three games, three defeats, but the club owned by Mick Wallace will have taken comfort in testing Dundalk on Monday, only to go down 2-1.
Bohs are looking to repeat their magnificent performances from last year, when they finished 5th with a relatively young side. Kurtis Byrne’s wondergoal helped them beat Sligo on Friday, but they were brought back to earth with a crash in a 3-0 loss to St.Pats on Monday.
Keith Long will want a response, and should get it against the Youths.Bohemians win at
Dundalk vs Cork City – Friday 7:45
17th of April 2009. Liverpool still thought it’d be their year, La Roux topped the charts with Bulletproof and it was the last time Cork City won in Dundalk. Never have they had a better chance to break that streak than this weekend. A 6-0 drubbing of Longford with a Steven Beattie hat trick, they already hold a victory over the double winning champions this season and they look more determined than ever.
But Dundalk have coped pretty well so far to the loss of Richie Towell, topping the league after three games and three straight victories. True, two of those have come against the promoted sides, but eight goals in three matches is not to be sniffed at. This game should be a cracker, but Cork are high on confidence after Monday, so back them draw no bet at
Longford Town vs Bray Wanderers – 7:30 Saturday
Bray Wanderers are the Wigan Athletic of Irish football. They should’ve been relegated years ago, but keep finding a way to survive year after year. Plus, they’re not very good at football, and have a bumbling owner (only difference is Dave Whelan broke his leg – did you know that?!). Sticking to form, they’ve conceded 10 in their first three, scoring just once and are already bottom of the table.
Longford as mentioned earlier were crushed by Cork on Monday, registering only two shots on target in 90 minutes. With two tricky away games against Finn Harps and Bohemians to come, they need to pick up points at home, and they should have enough in the tank to deal with the Seagulls on Saturday. Longford win at
Sligo Rovers vs Finn Harps – 7:45 Saturday
One of the three ‘North West’ derbies in the League of Ireland, Sligo Rovers host Finn Harps on Saturday night looking to register their first win of the season.
Ollie Horgan’s Harps have already got one, on the opening day against Derry City. Coming up through the playoff system last year meant many people expected Harps to go straight back down, but they are sure to make life hell for anyone that makes the journey to Ballybofey.
The Bit O’Red had a very poor season last year, and Dave Robertson’s brought in numerous signings. If they don’t gel quickly their campaign will go down the toilet quicker than an Aston Villa fan’s dreams. Their supporters are some of the most loyal in the league and in a big derby game they should help see Sligo to victory at