Sporting Fingal -v- UCD
Credit:
Following a hard-fought draw in abysmal conditions in Waterford last Saturday, Sporting Fingal will be looking to get their first win of the season tomorrow night at Morton Stadium against newly relegated UCD, who beat Limerick 2-1 last weekend (kick-off 19:45). UCD will be delighted to have started with a win, however Sporting are considered favourites for the title, so this fixture should present a real test for the 'Students.
Sporting Team News
Defender Stephen Paisley, who missed the game against the Blues, is Liam Buckley’s sole injury concern as he is still nursing a groin problem and the centre-back will undergo a fitness test prior to kick-off. Sporting's squad could include former ‘Students Darren Quigley, Shane McFaul, Brian Gannon and Conan Byrne.
Manager’s View
“We’re back at Morton Stadium, where we produced most of our best results last season, for the first of two home matches in seven days. We prided ourselves on our home league record - which wasn’t broken until September – in our first season and it is a priority to again be strong when visiting teams come here.”
“UCD face us on the back of a good win over Limerick last weekend. I attended the game and was impressed with their style of play but I would expect nothing less from a team managed by Martin Russell, someone I know well as he was on my title-winning team in St. Patrick’s Athletic in 1999.”
UCD Team News
Dave McMillan is unavailable for the game due to college commitments, Andrew Boyle is also unavailable for the fixture. The only other doubts for the game are over his Evan McMillan and fellow centre-back Brian Shortall. Otherwise UCD will use the same squad that beat Limerick 2-1 in the season opener.
Manager’s View
"It was a good start for us," said UCD manager Martin Russell. "We are looking to continue that against the so-called league favourites this week. It's definitely going to be a challenge."
UCD Export
Sporting's Shane McFaul is relishing the clash against his old club:
“UCD are a passing team, just like us, so I think this will be a wide-open game,” he said.
“I enjoyed my time at UCD. I’m still friendly with my former team-mates and my best mate, Brian Shorthall, will be playing for them on Friday.
“We know each other for years but haven’t played on opposite teams before.”
Sporting Team News
Defender Stephen Paisley, who missed the game against the Blues, is Liam Buckley’s sole injury concern as he is still nursing a groin problem and the centre-back will undergo a fitness test prior to kick-off. Sporting's squad could include former ‘Students Darren Quigley, Shane McFaul, Brian Gannon and Conan Byrne.
Manager’s View
“We’re back at Morton Stadium, where we produced most of our best results last season, for the first of two home matches in seven days. We prided ourselves on our home league record - which wasn’t broken until September – in our first season and it is a priority to again be strong when visiting teams come here.”
“UCD face us on the back of a good win over Limerick last weekend. I attended the game and was impressed with their style of play but I would expect nothing less from a team managed by Martin Russell, someone I know well as he was on my title-winning team in St. Patrick’s Athletic in 1999.”
UCD Team News
Dave McMillan is unavailable for the game due to college commitments, Andrew Boyle is also unavailable for the fixture. The only other doubts for the game are over his Evan McMillan and fellow centre-back Brian Shortall. Otherwise UCD will use the same squad that beat Limerick 2-1 in the season opener.
Manager’s View
"It was a good start for us," said UCD manager Martin Russell. "We are looking to continue that against the so-called league favourites this week. It's definitely going to be a challenge."
UCD Export
Sporting's Shane McFaul is relishing the clash against his old club:
“UCD are a passing team, just like us, so I think this will be a wide-open game,” he said.
“I enjoyed my time at UCD. I’m still friendly with my former team-mates and my best mate, Brian Shorthall, will be playing for them on Friday.
“We know each other for years but haven’t played on opposite teams before.”
About Gordon Hunt
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