League Preview: Shelbourne -v- UCD
Ian Morris will take charge of Shelbourne for the last time on Friday evening Credit: Paul Dolan (ETPhotos)
SHELBOURNE
It’s set to be an emotional night for Shels at Tolka Park as they’ll finally get their hands on the First Division trophy and bid farewell to manager Ian Morris who is stepping down from his role at the club.
Morris announced his decision to leave the club on Monday after three years in charge and the departing coach hopes to put on a show for the fans in the last game of his tenure.
“It’s going to be a good night and we want to go out to give the fans something extra to cheer about besides the Cup,” Morris said.
“This week will not take the sting out of the night and the celebrations and atmosphere. We want to excite and score goals with training being really good this week,” he added
“I can’t get enough credit to the staff and players. By winning the league I’ve seen the commitment in training every day and the hard work.”
Morris also made sure to express his gratitude to all involved at the club after a season to remember for the Dublin side.
“I want to thank everyone around the club as much I can, from the Board and the Directors. And the volunteers and fans. The Club would not function without those people who give up so much time, it’s unbelievable. They really are a credit to the Club.” he said.
“If this is the way to go out then there’s no really better way to go.”
Shels have stormed to the First Division title losing only one game before securing the title against Treaty United with three matches to spare.
The Reds have looked like sure champions for most of the season courtesy of an incredible 18 game unbeaten start which included a run of eight straight wins.
Shels had a small hiccup with a run of four without a win, including their first league defeat of the season to Galway United, but won the next four on the trot to wrap up the title in relative comfort.
The home side will hope to turn on the style at Tolka Park in their final game of the season before they return to the Premier Division next year.
UCD
The Students made sure of third place last week with a 2-1 win against Treaty and have a free shot to spoil Shels’ title party.
UCD’s place in the playoffs has looked safe for some time now after six wins from their last eight league games.
The Students were early title contenders after going unbeaten in their first eight games but a defeat at Tolka Park began a run of five losses in eight which left their playoff hopes looking precarious.
However, Andy Meyler’s side managed to turn their form around with an eight game unbeaten run in all competitions and secure a second consecutive playoff berth with two matches to spare after their win against Cork City.
UCD will hope to go one better than last season and join opponents Shelbourne in next season’s Premier Division, but can play with the pressure off in this fixture.
MATCH STATS
Shelbourne are set to lift the First Division trophy for the second time in three years.
Shels have won once against UCD in the league this season, running out 3-1 winners in Tolka Park in May when both sides were unbeaten.
The other meeting ended in a 0-0 draw at the UCD Bowl, with the Students also winning an FAI Cup meeting 2-0.
BETTING
Shelbourne 8/11; Draw 14/5; UCD 14/5
PREDICTION
Shelbourne 2-2 UCD
Shelbourne
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
UCD
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
