GERARD FOCUS ON GOOD START
GERARD LYTTLE knows a good start is vital tonight as Sligo look to belatedly ignite their season.
In the reverse game at The Showgrounds in February, the Rebels were 2-0 up after 11 minutes and scored again a minute into the second half on their way to a 4-1 win.
Graham Cummins bagged a hat-trick and the striker is back among the goals after scoring the only one in Friday’s 1-0 win over St Pat’s.
But the Bit O’red won in Limerick the following night to move out of the relegation play-off spot, easing the pressure on Lyttle (inset) after three defeats on the spin.
Lyttle is hoping that fortunes are about to turn but warned his team not to serve up chances on a plate.
He said: “We’re in for a tough, tough game and we have be up for the fight and on our game to come away with a positive result. In the first meeting we gifted Cork goals and I don’t think it was a true reflection. We have to show we’re better than that because I think we are.”
Assessing the 2-1 win in Limerick,kickstarted by a controversial 60-yard goal from Rhys Mccabe, Lyttle said: “It was a good performance but it’s just one win. Regan Donelon in his first game since injury and Greg Moorhouse getting his first goal is a big boost but the team performance meant most. “We couldn’t buy an away win last year and now we’ve had a couple in four games so that’s a positive.”
Former Galway captain Colm Horgan could retain his place in the Cork team after making his first league start of the season against Saints. Boss John Caulfield said: “Colm started a little nervously but settled really well after that.”
Cork will be without injured Johnny Dunleavy and suspended Steven Beattie and Garry Buckley while Alan Bennett is a doubt.
Sligo must plan without Lewis Morrison and Michael Schlingermann.