The focus this weekend is very much on the top of the table in both divisions of the SSE Airtricity League. In the Premier Division there are two matches involving four of the top five while in the First Division the top four are involved in matches against each other.
Premier Division leaders Dundalk are at fifth place St Patrick’s Athletic, who are already 13 points behind the champions after 13 games and have already lost twice to the Lilywhites this season although both games – in the League and President’s Cup – were at Oriel Park.
However, the most fascinating game of the night is probably at Turner’s Cross where second place Cork City face third place Shamrock Rovers. Unbeaten Rovers trail Cork by four points, albeit with a game less played, and, with Dundalk facing a tricky assignment in Inchicore, both sides will be looking for full points to take advantage of any slip by the leaders.
Trevor Croly’s arrival at Bray Wanderers certainly had the desired effect last week as they beat St Patrick’s Athletic to record their first win in six games and they will be looking to build on that result when they travel to Dalymount Park to face a Bohemians side still smarting from two defeats in the past week at the hands of Galway United who beat them in the League and the EA SPORTS Cup.
Four wins from their last six league games suggests that Galway United have found their feet in the Premier Division and they will travel across the country to Drogheda in a buoyant mood as they face a side that has picked up just five points from their last 12 league games.
One point from their last four games has left Derry City rooted in mid-table and they could drop further down the table if they lose their North West derby against Sligo Rovers who travel with confidence to the Brandywell after managing to finally record their first home win in the league last week when they beat Drogheda.
Limerick, who are just two weeks away from their long-awaited return to the Market’s Field, are still looking for their first win of the season and head to Longford on Saturday night knowing that they drew 2-2 with last year’s First Division champions when the sides met earlier in the season at Jackman Park.
There is a full programme of First Division matches on Friday night with the top clash being the meeting of leaders Finn Harps and third place UCD at Finn Park. Harps are unbeaten in 11 outings this season while UCD haven’t lost in seven so it promises to be a severe test of the Donegal side’s title credentials.
UCD were impressive winners over second place Wexford Youths last week and Shane Keegan’s side will be looking to recover from that blip when they face fourth place Athlone Town who will have Alan Mathews in charge for the first time following his appointment during the week.
Two successive wins have given Shelbourne a boost and they will look to continue that form when they meet Waterford United at Tolka Park in a match that will now kick-off at 7.15pm. The Blues, now under the management of Roddy Collins, climbed off the bottom of the table last week when they won for the first time in nine games. The final game in the First Division sees basement side Cabinteely at home to Cobh Ramblers.
FRIDAY, MAY 22
SSE Airtricity League Premier Division
Bohemians v Bray Wanderers, Dalymount Park, 7:45pm
Cork City v Shamrock Rovers, Turner’s Cross, 7:45pm
Derry City v Sligo Rovers, Brandywell Stadium, 7:45pm
Drogheda United v Galway United, United Park, 7:45pm
St. Patrick’s Athletic v Dundalk, Richmond Park, 7:45pm
SSE Airtricity League First Division
Shelbourne v Waterford United, Tolka Park, 7:15pm
Cabinteely v Cobh Ramblers, Stradbrook, 7:45pm
Finn Harps v UCD, Finn Park, 8:00pm
Wexford Youths v Athlone Town, Ferrycarrig Park, 8:00pm
SATURDAY, MAY 23
SSE Airtricity League Premier Division
Longford Town v Limerick, City Calling Stadium, 7:30pm
