Shelbourne -v- UCD
Credit:
Top-of-the-table clashes are often important, but tomorrow night’s
match between Shelbourne and UCD has taken on a whole new degree of
importance in the race for promotion from the First Division.
The winner will be top of the First Division, while a draw could see Sporting Fingal leapfrog both Shels and UCD and go into first position on goal difference.
For Shelbourne, this is the first of three crucial games against promotion rivals in just over a week, with an away game against fourth placed Waterford United on Tuesday and another away fixture to third placed Sporting Fingal three days later.
Shelbourne come off the back of the spirited comeback mounted last week when they beat Mervue United 4-2 away, coming back from a goal down on two occasions.
David Cassidy is fit after a six-week lay off through injury, while Anto Flood returns after his suspension along with fellow striker Tony Griffiths who missed the Mervue match due to a flu. The only absentee for Dermot Keely will be Richie Baker (hamstring).
UCD have no real injury concerns, with the only doubts being Ciaran Kilduff and Brian Shortall who picked up knocks in training this week. Manager Martin Russell stated, in anticipation of his side’s match against Shelbourne: “We still have to concentrate on what we can do. At the end of the season we’ll be where we’ll be but all we’re focussed on for now is going to Shelbourne and putting on a performance.”
Extratime.ie prediction: Both sides seem evenly matched, so a draw is most likely. 2-2.
The winner will be top of the First Division, while a draw could see Sporting Fingal leapfrog both Shels and UCD and go into first position on goal difference.
For Shelbourne, this is the first of three crucial games against promotion rivals in just over a week, with an away game against fourth placed Waterford United on Tuesday and another away fixture to third placed Sporting Fingal three days later.
Shelbourne come off the back of the spirited comeback mounted last week when they beat Mervue United 4-2 away, coming back from a goal down on two occasions.
David Cassidy is fit after a six-week lay off through injury, while Anto Flood returns after his suspension along with fellow striker Tony Griffiths who missed the Mervue match due to a flu. The only absentee for Dermot Keely will be Richie Baker (hamstring).
UCD have no real injury concerns, with the only doubts being Ciaran Kilduff and Brian Shortall who picked up knocks in training this week. Manager Martin Russell stated, in anticipation of his side’s match against Shelbourne: “We still have to concentrate on what we can do. At the end of the season we’ll be where we’ll be but all we’re focussed on for now is going to Shelbourne and putting on a performance.”
Extratime.ie prediction: Both sides seem evenly matched, so a draw is most likely. 2-2.
About Niall Farrell
Niall Farrell is our correspondent at Tolka Park, covering the goings-on at Shelbourne. You can visit Niall's website for further information and contact details- niallf.net. View Full Profile