League Preview: Waterford United -v- Shelbourne

Shelbourne travel to Waterford United in the search of three points to aid their promotion campaign. Kick-off is 7.45pm this Friday 23^rd.

WATERFORD UNITED

Waterford may be building for the future this season but fans will not want to finish bottom of the First Division table and a miniature battle is now on between the Munster based club and Cabinteely, who sit two points above them. Athlone and Cobh are nine and eight points away respectively but the primary focus will be the Stradebrook side.

Cabinteely were Waterford’s last league opponents. Debutant Evan Galvin, who signed for Waterford alongside his twin brother Cory, scored a long range strike halfway through the second half and the points looked in the bag for Roddy Collins’ men. However, Kevin Knight had other ideas and his stoppage time equalizer had Waterford still looking for a third league win.

Goalscoring has been a problem for Waterford in the past, with Evan Galvin’s strike ending a run of six games without hitting the back of the net. Their last goal before that came in a 3-1 win over Cabinteely and in those six games, Waterford only earned one point from a 0-0 draw with promotion chasers UCD.

In team news Thomas Croke has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering an ankle injury that has required surgery.

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne sit third in the table and occupy the last promotion play-off spot. While they will have their eyes on first place Finn Harps who are seven points ahead of them, they will also be wary of fourth place UCD, who are currently three points behind in fourth place but have two games in hand on the Tolka Park side.

Last week saw Shelbourne dispense of Athlone Town, who now are nine points off the play-offs. Sean Heaney had got Shels off to a great start after the defender scored after four minutes of the match. James O’Donnell later equalized for Athlone in the second half but Philly Hughes and Dylan McGlade both netted to seal the 3-1 win.

In a stark contrast to their opponents Waterford United, Shelbourne have scored in their last nine games, winning seven with only Cobh Ramblers (1-1 draw) and UCD (2-1 loss) taking points off them. The sixteen goals scored in those matches have been spread out between seven players, with Philly Hughes getting five in their last four games.

There is still a long injury list for Shelbourne to deal with. Jack Brady and Simon Dixon are still out with Conor Earley and Colm Crowe joining them on the sidelines. Gareth Coughlan is doubtful after being sick during the week.

Referee: Robert Hennessey

MATCH STATS

In the two meetings between the sides this season, Shelbourne are undefeated after winning one and drawing the other. A Gareth Coughlan penalty settled the match in May and Coughlan also popped up to score alongside Craig Walsh to peg back Waterford, who had taken the lead through Brian Nolan and Willie John Kiely, back in April.

Waterford have only won one home game all season – the 3-1 win over Cabinteely.

Shelbourne have won five of their nine away games this season.

BETTING

Waterford United 4/1; Draw 5/2; Shelbourne 8/13.

PREDICTION

Waterford United 1-4 Shelbourne.

Waterford United

Injured: Thomas Croke.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Shelbourne

Injured: Conor Earley, Jack Brady, Simon Dixon, Colm Crowe.

Doubtful: Gareth Coughlan.

Suspended: None.