John Caulfield believes every other side in the Airtricity League Premier Division is raising their game to beat Cork City, as his table-toppers look to finally get over the line and claim the title [live, RTÉ2, 7.20pm].
Limerick's 2-1 victory against the champions elect at Markets Field, coupled with second-placed Dundalk's defeat of Drogheda United, cut the gap to 11 points with five games to go.
Cork could have wrapped it up on Friday night had results gone their way; instead they head into Monday's Turner's Cross showdown against the Lilywhites looking for the win that would seal it.
Another Dundalk success would really turn up the heat on Cork though, who've wobbled since the departure of prolific striker Sean Maguire to Preston North End.
"Obviously, we were disappointed with Friday night, particularly the goals we conceded," Caulfield said.
"You are nothing in any club without your supporters."
"Every team is raising their game when they play against us and we have to manage that and get over the line.
"Tomorrow night is a different type of game, because we play our nearest challenger and we are at home.
"No matter what has gone on before, tomorrow is an opportunity for the guys to go back out in front of our supporters and give a fantastic performance, and that is what we need to do."
Cork have beaten Dundalk three times this year: 3-0 in the President’s Cup, followed by league wins at Turner's Cross (2-1) and Oriel Park (3-0).
They also broke their opponents' hearts with a dramatic last-gasp FAI Cup final triumph last November and clearly have the beating of Stephen Kenny's men.
But Caulfield called for a 12th man to help his charges take one last step to glory.
"I want our lads to go out and give a performance. I want our supporters, the Rebel Army, to come out in their numbers, get into the ground early and get right behind the lads right the way through the game.
"I want to see can we give the kind of performance that we have been giving all season and, if we do that, I think we will be fine. When the lads cross the white line tomorrow night, they need to leave everything on the pitch and that’s it really.
"It is brilliant place to play and a brilliant club to play with. The support is phenomenal, both home and away.
"You are nothing in any club without your supporters. We need everyone tomorrow night, in the ground early, right behind the lads. We need that positive vibe, the hostile atmosphere that we get when we are away from home. It is our patch and I am urging everyone to get in and drive the team on."
Watch Cork City v Dundalk, live, RTÉ2, from 7pm
