With the teams meeting at the same venue this night week in the FAI Cup quarter-finals, this evening’s televised game (TG4) should prove particularly interesting.

Both clubs are struggling on the playing front with Cork minus the services of their playmaker, Joe Gamble, who is suspended while defender, Pat Sullivan, is out with ankle ligament damage.

Indeed, with their regular strikers Dave Mooney and John O’Flynn having already departed to cross-Channel clubs Reading and Barnet, Denis Behan remains in the lead striking role.

Derry, on the other hand, will be without the injured Ciaran Martyn (ankle) and captain, Peter Hutton (hernia) while both Barry Molloy and Stephen Gray are both suspended.

Many pundits will be of the view that Cork may well have one eye on next weekend’s encounter as their 10 points deduction by the eircom League’s Licensing Committee has basically ruled them out of a top three finish. However, team boss, Alan Mathews, doesn’t necessarily see it that way.

Having enjoyed a convincing win over Cliftonville in the Setanta Sports Cup on Monday, Mathews said he is keen for his side to carry the Belfast performance into this evening’s game.

"We had a great result against Cliftonville and also a very good performance. It will be a difficult game against Derry, but we need to maintain the intensity of performance we displayed on Monday night. We still have an awful lot to play for this season."

While it has been a turbulent few weeks for all associated with the Turner’s Cross club, Mathews heaped praise on his players for the way they have reacted.

"I was delighted once again with the terrific attitude and application shown by the players on Monday night and we must respond in a similar fashion against Derry."

Derry’s record in Cork has been decent over recent matches but Brandywell boss, Stephen Kenny, is anxious to get another win under his belt having recorded victories in his last five outings.

“We’ve drawn quite a few games down there so maybe it’s time we got a victory,” said Kenny before leading his players to Belfast for last night’s 8 o’clock flight.

“Turner’s Cross is a difficult place to play and there’s quite a bit of emotion in Cork at the moment, so we’ll have to prepare for that. They defeated Cliftonville in midweek, while we produced a very good performance against Glentoran and we’ll be looking to build on that.

“Our players will take confidence from that win as we face a third tough game in the space of a week.”

While currently on a high, Kenny was quick to point out nothing had been won and suggested his next series of games in September would be of vital importance.

“During September we’ll be playing in all four domestic competitions - all very important matches - so we must remain focused on each game. We’re entitled to win absolutely nothing and our preparation and application will be key prior to each game. With St.