Coffey: 'We won’t worry about losing, that’s not being disrespectful'

A win and a draw in their opening two games represents a decent start for Cork City on their return to the First Division.

A well earned 2-0 victory in their first ever League of Ireland meeting with neighbours Kerry at Turner’s Cross followed by a 1-1 draw after long road trip to Finn Harps offers encouragement for City fans, albeit perhaps not much more than that.

They have a new hero in Jack Doherty as well, with their winter signing from rivals Cobh Ramblers netting all three of their goals to date.

But Friday night presents a tough test of their title and promotion credentials. UCD, a side they are familiar with from their tussles in the Premier Division last year, are in town and they will be looking to strengthen their own league winning ambitions.

“We have to go and win the game,” admitted City manager Tim Clancy.

“It’s hard to assess UCD so far. They had a great win against Bray when they were down to 10 men and then last week to Treaty, they lost 1-0 but they were in the Collingwood Cup so that was the fourth game that week for a lot of their players.

“It’s very hard to gauge where they are at after two games, but I think they will be up there at the end of the season so it’s another good game for us to go into.

“I think if we can win Friday, it’s a really good start to the season, seven points from nine. That’s the objective.

“Hopefully we will have a good crowd again, get them behind the lads and if we can get a win, I think we will be up and running.”

Those views were soon echoed by attacking midfielder Barry Coffey when he met the press at the club's training base in Bishopstown on Wednesday.

“Just because we are one of the biggest clubs in Ireland – if not the biggest – it doesn’t give you a divine right