Soccer

Cork City boss John Caulfield expecting a tough test at Dalymount

Bohemians have raised their game when pitted against the league’s top sides this season

Cork City manager John Caulfield: “Bohs have drawn with all of the top teams . . . they’ve upped their game in the big games.” Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Cork City manager John Caulfield: “Bohs have drawn with all of the top teams . . . they’ve upped their game in the big games.” Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Paul Buttner
Fri Jul 25 2014 - 01:00

Despite Bohemians not having won a league game at Dalymount Park this season, Cork City manager John Caulfield is wary of the challenge the home side will pose his title-chasing team tonight.

While Cork have won eight and drawn one of their last nine in the league to leave only goal difference separating them from leaders Dundalk, Owen Heary’s Bohemians caused them plenty of problems when the sides last met at Turner’s Cross in April.

“Bohs . . . have drawn with all of the top teams,” said Caulfield, whose side will go top with a result, until Sunday at least.

“We drew 1-1 with them at Turner’s Cross earlier in the season. We scored, they equalised and it looked for the last ten minutes like they would go on to win the match.

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“They drew away to ourselves, Dundalk, St Pat’s and Rovers, so you can see that they’ve upped their game in the big games . . .”

Sent off in Monday's EA Sports Cup defeat at Shamrock Rovers, midfielder Garry Buckley is suspended for Cork who are also without injured striker Rob Lehane.

A bout of tonsillitis looks likely to sideline Bohemians midfielder Craig Walsh.

Stephen McPhail sits out the last game of his four-match ban as Shamrock Rovers look to close in on the leaders when they host Drogheda United.

Defender Rob Cornwall (hamstring) is out while goalkeeper Barry Murphy (foot) is a doubtful starter. Drogheda's Paul Andrews and Stephen Maher are suspended.