Pre-season previews for this weekend

Cork City v Kildare County (Friday, 7pm) Paul Doolin will be in the home dugout at Turner’s Cross for the first time on Friday night as his side takes on Kildare County, with a 7pm kick off.

After defeating Blarney United 3-1 and drawing with Galway United 2-2 earlier this week, Doolin is happy with his new side’s performances thus far.

“It’s been good and the players have been great. We played Galway Wednesday, and just like the Blarney game on Monday, there were some things we did very well, some very good goals, but we have conceded three goals in those two games.

“Hopefully tonight we can put in another good performance and continue our preparation for the season. With new players and a new manager, it’s important that we get ideas clear and are ready for the start of the season.”

The Dubliner has already signed 8 players, many who will more than likely feature against the Lilywhites tonight.

Entry is €5 for adults, while U-18’s and the unemployed will be admitted free of charge.

Mayfield United v Waterford United (Friday, 7.40pm)

Munster Senior League side, Mayfield United from the northside of Cork City welcome First Division side Waterford United to Mayfield tonight with a 7.40pm kick off.

The Blues have already defeated Cork in pre-season and Stephen Henderson’s men should also win tonight against a physical Mayfield outfit.

Drogheda United v Shelbourne (Friday, 7.45pm)

Alan Matthews’ side take on Shelbourne at United Park tonight with a 7.45pm kick off. The Dubliner has been busy in recent weeks, signing Robbie Farrell, Jamie Duff, Paul Crowley and Ian Ryan from Dundalk, as well as Alan McNally and Steve Williams.

Shelbourne travel north after 3-1 loss to Bray Wanderers, however they did defeat Phoenix by the same scoreline at 10 days ago.

UCD v Galway United (Saturday, 2pm)

Martin Russell takes charge of the Students for only the second time at Enfield Park tomorrow against Premier Division side Galway United.

The students have been hit badly by the departure of players such as Matt Gregg and Alan McNally, although it was expected as they dropped down to the First Division.

Galway, meanwhile, signed the trio of Michael McGrath, Declan Edwards and David Cooke on Thursday. Ian Foster is expected to give all three some game-time tomorrow.

The Terryland Park outfit drew with Cork City 2-2 earlier this week but should get a win under their belts against a much weaker UCD side.

Athlone Town v Bohemians (Saturday 3pm)

Premier Division champions Bohemians will step up their preparations for the new season with a visit to Lissywoolen Park to face Athlone Town on Saturday afternoon.

The Gypsies will go into the game in high spirits following three consecutive friendly victories. The most recent of those saw Pat Fenlon's side run out emphatic 7-0 winners against Leinster Senior League outfit Glebe North in midweek. Fenlon will use the game to again run the rule over new signings Paul Keegan, Brian Shelley and Joseph Ndo.

The game will provide Athlone fans with a first opportunity to see their side in action following a turbulent close season. Manager Brendan Place's options have been boosted ahead of the game by a string of new signings, including Jamie Duffy, who has signed from Sporting Fingal, and Ian Finlay from St Patrick's Athletic.

Admission to the game is €10 for adults and €5 for students/OAPs, while under 16s accompanied by an adult go free. All members of Athlone Town's Patron Scheme will also receive free entry.

Derry City v Longford Town (Saturday 3pm)

Derry City will look to maintain their strong start to pre-season when they welcome Longford Town to the Brandywell on Saturday afternoon.

The Candystripes followed up wins against Esbjerg and Letterkenny Rovers with a 1-1 draw against Sporting Fingal last weekend. Stephen Kenny will be able to call on the services of Ger O'Brien for the first time, after the defender signed from Shamrock Rovers earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Alan Gough's Longford will be seeking a return to winning ways after losing their previous two friendlies against Bohemians and Sligo Rovers. Town's only other pre-season outing saw them run out comfortable 3-1 winners over Westport United.

Sligo Rovers v Dundalk (Saturday, 8pm)

Rovers welcome Premier Division new boys, Dundalk to the Showgrounds on Saturday in what will most certainly be an entertaining encounter.

With Paul Cook returning after ‘leaving’ the club a fortnight earlier, the Bit o’Red will embark on Europe this season.

Having already beaten Longford Town 3-0, this will prove to be a much more difficult contest against a Dundalk side who have bought all around them since their promotion into the top flight.

Sean Connor has brought in some excellent signings, such as Declan O’Brien and Chris Turner, the latter will play under Connor for the third time.

With only two weeks to go before the big kick-off, this will prove to be an important warm-up.