Cork face must-win Bohs test to keep title hopes alive

CORK CITY travel to Dublin today for a game which they simply need to win to keep the pressure on Dundalk in the title race. But they will have to overcome a Bohemians side that are full of confidence after a superb month. The Leesiders are six points behind the Lilywhites with six games remaining but have a chance to close the gap as the league leaders are not in action as their scheduled opponents Derry City are in EA Sports Cup final action. Cork welcome Dundalk to Turner’s Cross next Friday for the final meeting of the big two this term so they must seize the opportunity. However, they are meeting a side in form as Bohemians have won their last six matches in all competitions without conceding. “I don’t think any team in the league wants to play against us at the moment,” said Bohemians attacker Eoghan Stokes, on LOI Weekly. “We’re flying. We can beat anyone in the league on our day.” With their league status secure, Bohs do have cup distractions on the mind. They face an FAI Cup quarter-final in Derry on Wednesday and, as it happens, the prize for the winners of that tie is a home semi against Cork. “We desperately hope that this is not our final game against them this season,” says Bohs manager Keith Long. “But we’re not thinking any further ahead than this game. Cork are a strong, well-organised, talented team with some outstanding players.” Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley has indicated that Trevor Clarke will not make a return this season. The highly-rated Dubliner suffered a cruciate ligament injury in March but has been making good progress in his recovery.