League Preview: Dundalk -v- Shelbourne

DUNDALK 

Dundalk boss Noel King is calling on his side to replicate their performance against Bohemians last weekend when they host Shelbourne at Oriel Park (kick-off is at 7.45pm). 

KIng most recently worked at Tolka Park as women’s manager and would have known Shels gaffer Damien Duff quite well during his time at the club. 

But he is gunning to defeat the Reds and keep up Dundalk’s resurgent form.

“It was a very good performance from the whole group against Bohemians, even the players who came on, and it’d be great if we can repeat the same thing against Shelbourne,” King said.

“At the same time, we know that last week is done. You have to go forward and we have to make sure that we turn in a good performance again. It’s a tough match against Shels, who are top of the table, and on paper they’re supposed to beat us but hopefully we can defy the odds again.

“The Oriel Park crowd certainly got involved last week. 

“They were pensive at the start and I knew that was going to happen but the boys played some fantastic football, really attack minded, and it was easy to get behind them, which is what we’ll need in every game.”

SHELBOURNE 

Shelbourne boss Duff reckons Shelbourne must be prepared for their ‘most difficult game in a few months’ when they play the Lilywhites. 

Shels are top of the table but face a Dundalk side under new management on a pitch that is ‘challenging’ according to the Reds first-team manager.

“This is the most difficult game we’ve had in months and I firmly believe it,” Duff said. 

“It’s always a tough place to go Oriel Park, with a new manager in Noel King and a challenging surface. 

“The new manager has rallied them, their senior players all back in, they all played last Friday, they’re playing with an edge, that made the difference. They wanted it more than Bohs. Fully deserved that win.”

“They have a lot of quality, but their real hunger and desire, along with Noel, Liam’s and Brian’s knowledge of the game and the league, are evident. 

“We’re not reading too much into the table or their position. it doesn’t show the quality they have all over the pitch. It’s a very difficult game for us.”

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea. 

PREDICTION 

Dundalk 0-2 Shelbourne

Dundalk

Injured: Robbie Mahon, Cameron Elliott, Mayowa Animasahun. 

Doubtful:Dara Keane. 

Suspended: None.

Shelbourne

Injured: Shane Griffin. 

Doubtful:Gavin Molloy. 

Suspended: None.