Limerick FC -v- U.C.D
Credit:
League leaders UCD travel south to Limerick on Friday for a vital First Division clash at Jackman Park (KO 7:45pm). Both sides have been in impressive form in recent weeks and a close game is expected on Shannonside this Friday. Limerick secured all three points against a struggling Longford Town side last Saturday night.
Meanwhile, Martin Russell’s side are in fantastic form and are unbeaten in their last five games. The Students are coming into this game on the back of a confidence boasting victory over Premier Division side Galway United in the EA Sports Cup.
Pat Scully’s View
Limerick have been very inconsistent so far this season and a result against UCD is vital if Pat Scully’s side wish to keep in touch with their promotion rivals. They picked up crucial three points in Flancare Park last Saturday and manager Pat Scully remains confident that his side will have a successful season.
“Yeah, we played well and it was good to get the three points,” admitted Pat Scully this week.
“In the first half we played decent football and got a good goal. In the second half we were a little sloppy and conceded an equaliser. Conceding a goal can often knock a side even if they are on top, but we came back into it. Our substitutes, Davy Ryan and Paul Cummins, worked well, we got a foothold in the game again and scored two good goals to go on and win the game. That was really encouraging. We did let in another sloppy goal in injury time, but the players are making progress. They are learning and the spirit in the team really is different class.”
Pat Scully took time out to watch UCD take on Waterford United on Friday night last in Belfield, a game which finished nil-all and maintained the Students two-point lead at the head of the division. "I went to the game myself in Dublin on Friday night," added Pat Scully.
"UCD are a good team and they're top of the league on merit. I know three or four of their players very well from being involved with the Shamrock Rovers youths team and they're all top class. UCD are a really good team and to compete with them we need to keep improving and play to a high standard on Friday night. They're a good team, but so are we. It should be a good game.”
“All the lads are really looking forward to the game," explained Super Blues manager Pat Scully.
“They know it will be a test, but it's a test they're looking forward to. UCD are a good young team and very mobile. We really need to track our runners on Friday night and not let them in behind us.“
"It's important that we put in a big performance. We definitely won't be sitting back and I'm confident we can get a result.” Scully added.
“We've only lost one game in seven now and that was against Waterford when we just didn't play at all. We can't afford a performance like that again. On Friday night we will go out to play UCD, to stand up to them and if we do that we can get a result.”
Russell seeks improvement
UCD manager Martin Russell said his side needs to improve its finishing following last week’s draw with Waterford.
“We probably had the better chances but they had one or two. We need to be more clinical and to take our chances,” said Russell.
While Russell was disappointed with the draw, he is pleased with the overall performance of UCD so far this season.
“We’d have taken where we are now, on top and two points ahead, at the start of the season,” said Russell.
Looking ahead to the Limerick game, Russell said his charges need to be at their best if they are to pick up the three points away from home.
“We need to go down and give our best and take what that gives us. We know it’s going to be tough, Pat [Scully] organises Limerick well and they’re going to want to put on a show for the home crowd,” said the UCD manager.
Team News
Limerick have to prepare for Friday’s game without the services of Wayne Colbert (ankle injury), Brendan Daly (groin injury). Tommy Barrett is doubtful with a knee injury and he faces a late fitness test to determine if he can play.
UCD are without Greg Bolger (knee injury) for UCD’s trip to Limerick and he is likely to remain out for some time. Sean Harding, who has been out of action with a back injury, is back in training but won’t figure in the squad for at least another week. Dave McMillan faces a late fitness test to determine his availability after he picked up a knock during the week.
Both sides have no suspensions.
Extratime.ie Prediction: A vital game where a result will make a big difference to both sides. A close game finishing 1-1.
Meanwhile, Martin Russell’s side are in fantastic form and are unbeaten in their last five games. The Students are coming into this game on the back of a confidence boasting victory over Premier Division side Galway United in the EA Sports Cup.
Pat Scully’s View
Limerick have been very inconsistent so far this season and a result against UCD is vital if Pat Scully’s side wish to keep in touch with their promotion rivals. They picked up crucial three points in Flancare Park last Saturday and manager Pat Scully remains confident that his side will have a successful season.
“Yeah, we played well and it was good to get the three points,” admitted Pat Scully this week.
“In the first half we played decent football and got a good goal. In the second half we were a little sloppy and conceded an equaliser. Conceding a goal can often knock a side even if they are on top, but we came back into it. Our substitutes, Davy Ryan and Paul Cummins, worked well, we got a foothold in the game again and scored two good goals to go on and win the game. That was really encouraging. We did let in another sloppy goal in injury time, but the players are making progress. They are learning and the spirit in the team really is different class.”
Pat Scully took time out to watch UCD take on Waterford United on Friday night last in Belfield, a game which finished nil-all and maintained the Students two-point lead at the head of the division. "I went to the game myself in Dublin on Friday night," added Pat Scully.
"UCD are a good team and they're top of the league on merit. I know three or four of their players very well from being involved with the Shamrock Rovers youths team and they're all top class. UCD are a really good team and to compete with them we need to keep improving and play to a high standard on Friday night. They're a good team, but so are we. It should be a good game.”
“All the lads are really looking forward to the game," explained Super Blues manager Pat Scully.
“They know it will be a test, but it's a test they're looking forward to. UCD are a good young team and very mobile. We really need to track our runners on Friday night and not let them in behind us.“
"It's important that we put in a big performance. We definitely won't be sitting back and I'm confident we can get a result.” Scully added.
“We've only lost one game in seven now and that was against Waterford when we just didn't play at all. We can't afford a performance like that again. On Friday night we will go out to play UCD, to stand up to them and if we do that we can get a result.”
Russell seeks improvement
UCD manager Martin Russell said his side needs to improve its finishing following last week’s draw with Waterford.
“We probably had the better chances but they had one or two. We need to be more clinical and to take our chances,” said Russell.
While Russell was disappointed with the draw, he is pleased with the overall performance of UCD so far this season.
“We’d have taken where we are now, on top and two points ahead, at the start of the season,” said Russell.
Looking ahead to the Limerick game, Russell said his charges need to be at their best if they are to pick up the three points away from home.
“We need to go down and give our best and take what that gives us. We know it’s going to be tough, Pat [Scully] organises Limerick well and they’re going to want to put on a show for the home crowd,” said the UCD manager.
Team News
Limerick have to prepare for Friday’s game without the services of Wayne Colbert (ankle injury), Brendan Daly (groin injury). Tommy Barrett is doubtful with a knee injury and he faces a late fitness test to determine if he can play.
UCD are without Greg Bolger (knee injury) for UCD’s trip to Limerick and he is likely to remain out for some time. Sean Harding, who has been out of action with a back injury, is back in training but won’t figure in the squad for at least another week. Dave McMillan faces a late fitness test to determine his availability after he picked up a knock during the week.
Both sides have no suspensions.
Extratime.ie Prediction: A vital game where a result will make a big difference to both sides. A close game finishing 1-1.
About David Byrne
is a freelance sports reporter based in Limerick who has been following the League of Ireland for as long as he can remember. As an avid Limerick supporter his earliest memory of the League was … View Full Profile