HAVING dominated their northern rivals in the preliminary stages, Cork City and Drogheda United face Dungannon Swifts and Cliftonville respectively this evening with the group's top spot and with it home advantage in the semi-finals still to be decided between the two League of Ireland outfits, writes Emmet Malone.

Cork trail Drogheda on goal difference but look to have much the more straightforward task this evening, with Alan Mathews' side due to face visitors missing John Paul Gallagher, Mark McAllister and Johnny Montgomery suspended.

City will again be without Cillian Lordan but Michael Devine returns after missing Saturday's 1-1 draw with Cobh through suspension, while Denis Behan and Pat Sullivan are expected to be fit enough to feature.

United travel to Celtic Park (home of Donegal Celtic) having shown a significant improvement in form lately and after the win at the Brandywell on Friday night there will be a fair bit of confidence that Paul Doolin's side can take the win in Belfast that would virtually guarantee them first place in the group.