Preview: UCD vs Sligo Rovers
Credit:
UCD entertain Sligo Rovers tonight at the Belfield Bowl. Sligo's last visit to UCD ended in a two nil win for the Bit o Red. That was there first league win at Belfield for over twenty five years.
Both these sides would have been hoping for better starts to the season. UCD deserved something from their games against Derry and Finn Harps but their only points to date are courtesy of a two nil win over Bray. Sligo were handed a tough start to the season with a game against each of last seasons top three and have just a single point to their name.
UCD manager Pete Mahon is not going to to be able to name an unchanged side for the fourth week in succession. Striker Paul Byrne is suspended and Ian Bermingham is an injury worry. Bermingham was with the Irish U19 squad this week but didn't feature at all due to a groin strain. Should he not recover in time Killian Gallagher is the most likely replacement. Gallagher looked assured anytime he was called on last season and was also impressive during pre season friendlies. Derek Doyles long awaited come back from the injury he sustained in Sligo last season has been postponed on account of the winger picking up a groin injury.
Sligo comfortably won their League Cup tie earlier in the week by six goals to one but a number of players picked up injuries that make them a doubt for tonight. After recovering from a recent hamstring problem captain Gavin Peers is again a doubt - this time because of an ankle injury. If he fails a late fitness test then Danny Ventre or Jamie McKenzie will probably slot in beside Mauro Almeida in the centre of defence. Left back Chris Butler has already been ruled out - he left the action early last Monday with what looked like a serious ankle injury. Alan Moore is also a doubt.
Both sides will be looking at this game as a tie where they have a good chance of picking up three points. Kick off at the Belfield Bowl is at 19.45
