League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Dundalk

Damien Duff & team applaud the Shelbourne supporters after their game against Drogheda United last November

Damien Duff & team applaud the Shelbourne supporters after their game against Drogheda United last November Credit: Paul Dolan (ETPhotos)

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne came unstuck against a team in the basement section of the league last weekend so they will be well primed to prevent a similar outcome when they face second from bottom Dundalk in Tolka Park on Friday night, KO 7.45 pm.

Sligo Rovers were in eight position in the league table when they arrived at Richmond Road last Friday night but they upset the odds with a thoroughly deserved 2-1 over the league leaders.

Shelbourne’s opponents this Friday night are currently in ninth position but with a new manager bounce obviously benefitting Dundalk, Damian Duff is sure to have his squad well forewarned against the pitfalls of complacency when they take the field against the Lilywhites.

Shels recovered well from the concession of a 22nd minute goal against Rovers to draw level in the 57th minute from a Sean Boyd equaliser but they fell behind again in the 69th minute and could never manage a second equaliser and ended up conceding all three points.

They still retain top spot in the table however and have a game in hand over their nearest rivals Derry City who trail them by two points.

DUNDALK

Dundalk boss Jon Daly reckons his side have more in the tank as they get set to face Shelbourne at Tolka Park. 

The Lilywhites picked up four points from a possible six last weekend with a 0-0 draw against Derry City and a 3-2 win over St Patrick's Athletic on Monday. 

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I genuinely wouldn’t have taken the job if I didn’t feel there was quality in the group," Daly said.



"I didn’t know the players before I took the job so you’re only getting to know them and I have to say the characters that are in the changing room are fantastic.

“They’re certainly not a team that should be where they are, but they are. They’re there because they haven’t got results and it’s important now that we try to back Monday’s win up on Friday away to Shels, who are a really good side. We need to try to get something there too.

“We have a fantastic defensive record at home, seven clean-sheets in a row, so it’s trying to bring that mentality when we go away from home.”

Referee: Damian McGraith.

 

MATCH STATS



There were five draws in the last eight meetings between these two sides so obviously there has been nothing between these them in the last few years.

Shelbourne did win two of the other three clashes, including their first meeting this season back in late March in Tolka Park when they were victorious by two goals to one.

Their two goals came from Liam Burt and a Hayden Muller own goal, with Robbie Benson getting a 90th minute consolation goal for Dundalk.

The most recent match between them in Oriel Park ended in a 0-0 draw.

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 2 - 2 Dundalk

 

Shelbourne

Injured:  None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

 

Dundalk    

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

 

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