Kildare County -v- Sporting Fingal
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This Friday sees Sporting Fingal returning to league action following their surprise victory over Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup Quarter-Final replay at the Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday night. Sporting currently find themselves in third place in the First Division behind Shelbourne and UCD, and they will be confident of putting pressure on the big two when they face bottom of the table Kildare County at Station Road on Friday evening (kick-off 8.00 pm).
When the two sides faced each other in the same venue back in March, the Thoroughbreds were on the receiving end of an absolute hiding as Liam Buckley's side went back to the Morton Stadium with an 8-0 victory. Shaun Williams, Conan Byrne and the ever-dangerous Eamon Zayed recorded braces that evening as Kildare discovered just how difficult it would be for them to avoid relegation this season.
Kildare Town native Thomas 'Cooper' Donnelly was in charge of Kildare back then, and although they still find themselves in trouble under current boss Joey Somerville, they certainly have improved an awful lot since then. Indeed, when the two teams met again in the Morton Stadium a couple of months back, Sporting were given an awful fright as they managed to hold on for a narrow 1-0 victory, Zayed coming up with the winning goal once again.
Under the guidance of Somerville, they have been extremely competitive against the top teams, but they have been unable to get anything out of these games, so it is reasonable to suggest that Sporting would come away with a victory from this encounter.
Teenager Orrin Farrell came up with the goods the last day out, when his long-range strike gave Kildare a vital point away to fellow strugglers Athlone Town, and Somerville will be hoping that he and Cathal Brady can give striker Philly Hughes ample supply from the wings. In general, Kildare have most of their squad available for this match, although David Long will serve a suspension following his dismissal the last day and it remains to be seen if regular 'keeper Darren Kelly will be fully recovered from an injury picked up against Finn Harps. Colin Cassidy will continue to deputise if Kelly is unavailable.
Sporting have no major injury worries to report, although they may be some wear and tear from their titanic battles against Shamrock Rovers, so it wouldn't be too surprising if Liam Buckley opted for a few alterations to his team. Alan Kirby in particular was the hero for Sporting the last day with a brace against Michael O'Neill's men and, should he be selected from the start again, Kildare will need to keep a sharp eye on him.
Given their current predicament, Kildare will no doubt give this tie an almighty go but, in the end, Sporting Fingal should have too much in the tank for Joey Somerville's side.
Extratime.ie Prediction: 2-0 win for Sporting Fingal.
When the two sides faced each other in the same venue back in March, the Thoroughbreds were on the receiving end of an absolute hiding as Liam Buckley's side went back to the Morton Stadium with an 8-0 victory. Shaun Williams, Conan Byrne and the ever-dangerous Eamon Zayed recorded braces that evening as Kildare discovered just how difficult it would be for them to avoid relegation this season.
Kildare Town native Thomas 'Cooper' Donnelly was in charge of Kildare back then, and although they still find themselves in trouble under current boss Joey Somerville, they certainly have improved an awful lot since then. Indeed, when the two teams met again in the Morton Stadium a couple of months back, Sporting were given an awful fright as they managed to hold on for a narrow 1-0 victory, Zayed coming up with the winning goal once again.
Under the guidance of Somerville, they have been extremely competitive against the top teams, but they have been unable to get anything out of these games, so it is reasonable to suggest that Sporting would come away with a victory from this encounter.
Teenager Orrin Farrell came up with the goods the last day out, when his long-range strike gave Kildare a vital point away to fellow strugglers Athlone Town, and Somerville will be hoping that he and Cathal Brady can give striker Philly Hughes ample supply from the wings. In general, Kildare have most of their squad available for this match, although David Long will serve a suspension following his dismissal the last day and it remains to be seen if regular 'keeper Darren Kelly will be fully recovered from an injury picked up against Finn Harps. Colin Cassidy will continue to deputise if Kelly is unavailable.
Sporting have no major injury worries to report, although they may be some wear and tear from their titanic battles against Shamrock Rovers, so it wouldn't be too surprising if Liam Buckley opted for a few alterations to his team. Alan Kirby in particular was the hero for Sporting the last day with a brace against Michael O'Neill's men and, should he be selected from the start again, Kildare will need to keep a sharp eye on him.
Given their current predicament, Kildare will no doubt give this tie an almighty go but, in the end, Sporting Fingal should have too much in the tank for Joey Somerville's side.
Extratime.ie Prediction: 2-0 win for Sporting Fingal.
About Daire Walsh
Daire Walsh began reporting for Extratime in 2009, when he covered Kildare County's games in the League Of Ireland First Division. He currently reports on games involving the league's Dublin sides and also Bray Wanderers. … View Full Profile