Night of destiny for Cork or Derry
Friday, 18 November 2005 17:30And then there were two. A season-long effort comes down to 90 minutes at a packed Turner's Cross tonight with the title of eircom League Premier Division champions awaiting either hosts Cork City or current leaders Derry City.
A closer and more exciting finale has rarely been witnessed as the country's two best sides come head-to-head in this winner-takes-all encounter.
Cork striker John O'Flynn (groin) has lost his battle for fitness and may not even make the bench, which is huge loss for manager Damien Richardson.
Billy Woods is likely to keep his place on the left wing, leaving City unchanged from the side that drew 0-0 at deposed champions Shelbourne last Friday.
"It's in our own hands because we've been the best team all season," said Richardson who went on to hail The Rebel Army.
"We have this wonderful spirit on the park and this enormous surge of goodwill from the fans who are without doubt the best group of supporters in the country."
With Barry Molloy still banned, Derry, who lead by a point, are also likely to be unchanged.
And while a draw will be enough to secure The Candystripes' first title since 1997, Derry boss Stephen Kenny is insistent that his side will not be playing for a draw.
He stressed: "Our philosophy throughout the season has always been to take the game to the opposition. That's the way the team is built.
"We've had the confidence to do that all season, regardless of the scenario. We are suddenly not going to change now just because we only need a point."
Kick-off at Turner's Cross is at 7.45pm.
The game is live on RTÉ TWO television from 7.30pm and RTÉ Radio 1 MW 567, LW 252 and Cork 729 from 7.02-10.00pm.
