Shelbourne V St. Patrick's Athletic
Kevin Doherty takes charge of his first League of Ireland side tonight as he leads a battered, and almost broken, Shelbourne into a Dublin derby, with St. Patrick’s Athletic, that has suddenly taken on the feel of a much bigger game than this time 48 hours ago.
Back then plans for a protest against then manager Alan Mathews – involving a post kick-off protest walk out of Tolka Park by a large section of the Shelbourne crowd – were occupying Shelbourne supporters’ minds, far more than the prospect of facing their cross city rivals. Having lost 4-0 to Liam Buckley’s men in their most recent encounter it might been a welcome distraction for the Tolka Park crowd.
The departure of Alan Mathews yesterday evening has put a new spin on things for the Shels fans. What was once another game they looked at with dread is now one where the language of hope and optimism might find root. Kevin Doherty will not remain as first team manager for the duration of the season, due to his lack of the required coaching badges, but he will have contributed massively to the Shelbourne fight for survival if he can get a result from tonight’s game.
Pat’s come to Tolka Park within touching distance of Sligo and a win tonight will put them joint top of the table. They should find 3 points easy enough to come by tonight, but will go into this game knowing they could face a team playing with something to prove. If they get the win, however, the pressure is then on Sligo to beat an in form Dundalk side tomorrow night. A challenge Pat's will be keen to impose.
Shels miss up to 10 first team players, while Anto Flood looks set to miss out for The saints.
Shamrock Rovers V Bohs
Across in Dublin 24 the other Dublin derby of the evening kicks off shortly after 7, and Bohs will be hoping Rovers have something of an off night if they are to take anything from Tallaght. The Dalymount side have won just 1 in their last 8, while Rovers come off a 7-1 Setanta sports Cup final win over Drogheda United last weekend. A convincing derby win to follow up a trophy win and Rovers will begin to look towards putting together a run for a European spot.
Rovers are missing Mark Quigley, Pat Sullivan and Danny Ledwith, while Conor Powell returns at right back. Bohs keeper Dean Delaney may not make it, meaning Greg Murray could start.
Saturday
Sligo Rovers V Dundalk, 7.45, Showgrounds
Sligo have eased up on their relentless march to a second successive league title in the past month, dropping points with little or no regard for the health of their title challenge. A 3-0 win over Derry looked to have kickstarted the renewal of title winning form, but a 0-0 away to Bray last Friday night will have doubts growing anew. Dundalk are in good form, with 4 wins from 5, and a win here puts them into a title contending spot, just 3 behind Sligo.
Other Games
Drogheda host Derry, with Derry coming off successive defats to UCD and Sligo, while Drogs try to bounce back from a 7-1 Setanta sports cup final defat against Shamrock Rovers.
Cork City and Bray meet at Turner’s cross, with both sides in poor form recently. Cork will know that wins for UCd and Bohs, coupled with anything less than 3 points here, plant them firmly in a relegation battle.
UCD host Limerick as the form side in the division, with 3 wins from the last 4 games. Another win tonight will lift them from the drop zone.
League of Ireland Premier Divison Fixtures
Friday
Shamrock Rovers V Bohemians, 7.05 Tallaght Stadium
Shelbourne V St. Patrick’s Athletic, 8.00, Tolka Park
Drogheda United V Derry City, 7.45, Hunky Dory Park
UCD V Limerick, 7.45, The Belfield Bowl
Cork City V Bray Wanderers, 7.45, Turner’s Cross
Saturday
Sligo Rovers V Dundalk, Showgrounds, 7.45
