By Irishexaminer.com,John Fallon

Copyright irishexaminer

That won’t be enough unless they bridge the eight-point deficit on either to secure the lifeline of the playoff against a First Division side for survival.

International breaks and FAI Cup commitments served to park the relegation dogfight for the Premier Division’s basement side.

From that hiatus comes a hive of league games, leaders Shamrock Rovers followed by St Patrick’s Athletic on Monday and another trip four days later, to John Caulfield’s Galway.

Four wins and a draw from their last six games represents the best spell of the season for City and it will have to be maintained for the turnaround to be completed.

“We’re chasing all the teams above us and can only try to catch them,” said Nash about the quest to add as many of the possible 21 points remaining.

“Sligo play Galway on Monday night, so one of them is going to drop points there, that’s for sure.

“But we need to win our games. This three-game week gives us an opportunity to put a run together and pick up points.”

They’ve got the ultimate test to navigate first.

Rovers have lost only four of the 28 games they’ve contested in their bid to reclaim the title that was theirs for four years before being pipped by Shelbourne on the final day.

Such is their buffer at the summit that three wins from their final eight games will deliver a fifth title in six years for Stephen Bradley’s Hoops.

“It’s quite clear to see the positive changes at Cork City since Ger Nash and his staff have gone in there,” said Bradley about Nash, appointed in May.

“We know we’re facing a Cork City team fighting for every point but so are we for our own aims. It’s a difficult game but our focus is on getting the win.” Yet, for all their domestic dominance, Rovers were held to draws on their last two visits to Turner’s Cross, one before City were relegated in 2023.

“We’ll give Shamrock Rovers, as strong opponents, due respect but the message in our dressing-room is all about us,” added Nash.

“The next 14 days, leading up to the FAI Cup semi-final, is a really key time for us.

“We know what we must do, by fighting for this club and putting on a performance in front of our fans.

“That’s been the case in the last few weeks and it’s paramount to that again.” Seáni Maguire’s return to form is timely. Although fitness has been a struggle to attain in his first full Premier Division season since 2017, the striker is in tip-top condition as the business stage lurks.

“Seáni has been leading the line on his own,” explained the manager about Maguire’s role.

“There’s a lot of responsibility for him with the way we’re playing and he’s a real leader for us.

“His performances are strong. He’s also fit from playing games regularly and is in a good vein of form. His goal last at Finn Harps last week wasn’t done justice by the TV cameras because it was a really classy finish.” Another contributor to the revival has been the return of experienced campaigners such as Benno Couto and Conor Drinan.

“I believe that we can do it,” said left-back Drinan, just back from an ACL tear, about their plight.

“At one stage, we were 11 points behind but it’s down to eight and we’re clawing back points week by week.” Drinan sensed empathy around him when convalescing. Both Nash and his assistant David Meyler endured horrific knee injuries in their careers.

“When Meyler came in, getting to know us and asked about my injury, he whipped out his two knees to show scars all over them,” Drinan explained about the ex-Sunderland and Hull City midfielder.

“He knew what I was going through, how hard the recovery is, both mentally and physically. They weren’t going to rush me back.” Now the rush for points is on.