The narrow defeat at Turner's Cross was City's third of the season and moved them five points adrift of Paul Doolin's men, who in turn have opened up a two point lead at the top following champions Bohemians shock 2-1 defeat at Rovers, last Saturday night.

A Dan Murray header just before half-time was enough for the Rebel Army to secure maximum points; nevertheless the Brandywell men, who had defender Mark McChrystal sent-off, had a host of chances particularly in the first half, but Dan Connor made two super saves to deny both Sammy Morrow and Mark Farren.

Deep into stoppage time Stephen Kenny's men thought they had secured a share of the spoils when teenager James McLean fired home but his effort was wrongfully ruled out by the referee's assistant who flagged for offside.

Nevertheless Kenny is expecting a positive response from his players when Michael O'Neill's side visit this weekend.

"We played well at Cork and probably deserved a point, but we have to get on with it," he said.

"It's important that we respond in the right manner this Friday against Rovers, but we know it's going to be tough.

"They will be coming to the Brandywell full of confidence after beating Bohs, but as I have already said it's all about how we respond to the Cork result.

"We had a very tough game at Tallaght early in the season but we managed to get a 2-1 win whenever we were down to ten men and we'll need to show that same spirit and never say die attitude this Friday.

"Because of their win over Bohs, which has moved them onto the same amount of points as us, I'm expecting Rovers to come at us so it should be an entertaining game, hopefully in front of a big crowd."

The Candystripes are likely to be still missing Clive Delaney and Gareth McGlynn, but on the plus side ex-Rovers defender Ger O'Brien is expected to return to training today (Wednesday), after recovering from his hamstring problem and is likely to replace the suspended McChrystal.

"Unfortunately it looks as though both Clive and Gareth will need another week, but Ger should be back in full training this morning. Sammy Morrow is struggling with a hip injury and we'll have to wait and see how he goes at training this week," concluded Kenny.