Preview: Shelbourne vs Kildare County

Second place Shelbourne welcome the second from bottom team, Kildare County, when they meet in Tolka Park on Friday night (kick-off 8:00pm). Shelbourne will be looking to keep up the pressure on Dundalk who will be facing the trip to Monaghan on the same night.

Last week, Shelbourne defeated Dundalk and stopped a potential six point gap opening up at the top of the First Division. Kildare County on the other hand, lost a 44 minute lead against Athlone Town and had to settle for a point from the game in Station Road.

Shelbourne played Kildare County at the start of the season and despite going in one nil down, Shelbourne still came out winners on a score-line of three one.

The Reds will be without James Keddy, who was sent off in Oriel Park last week and Alan Murphy who starts an additional two game ban, after losing his appeal (sent off away to Sporting Fingal on April 18th).

On the injury front, Shelbourne will be without Alan Byrne and Philly Hughes (both ankle injuries), while James Chambers faces a late fitness test after picking up an injury in training during the week.

Kildare County team news is unavailable at present.

The game kicks off at 8:00pm on Friday.