Shelbourne -v- Dundalk

SHELBOURNE

The opening week of the season was not kind to Shels.  On Friday Alan Mathews’s side went down 1-0 to Bray Wanderers, ending the match with ten men. Three days later, the Reds exited the EA Sports Cup at the earliest opportunity - losing 1-0 to Friday night’s opponents, Dundalk.

Shelbourne look to Friday night’s meeting with the Lilywhites as a chance to get their first points of the season. Former Drogheda United captain Paul Crowley would have been very familar with Stephen Kenny’s men, but will play no part in this match after his sending off against Bray.

In addition, a number of Shels players are facing fitness tests. The side which played against Dundalk on Monday is likely to be changed around. The spot of first-choice goalkeeper no longer as clear, following Niall Burdon’s starring performance earlier this week. Philip Hughes should also return in place of Mark Leech, after being brought off the bench.

Manager Alan Mathews declared himself “disappointed with the result in Bray last Friday night” but went on to say that he was “encouraged by the performance of some of the younger players, who will have an important part to play in the season ahead.”

DUNDALK

Lilywhites fans will be confident of coming away from Tolka Park with at least a point, after a positive start to the season.  Kurtis Byrne’s goal saw off Shels on Monday night in a freezing Oriel Park, in a match Dundalk largely controlled. Their first league match was a draw with Shamrock Rovers – in which they again looked impressive.

Despite Monday’s win, manager Stephen Kenny was reluctant to assume the favourites tag ahead of Friday's match. "Winning on Monday night doesn't give us any advantage over Shelbourne” he said.

“They'll definitely be ready for us. I think we'll get a real tough game there. It's a completely different game in the league and it's away from home. Friday is a different entity and we've got to get ready and go again.”

Speaking after the match, Kenny spoke of his belief that Dundalk’s good start can go on. "We wanted to get our first win here [in Oriel Park] and the fact that we kept a clean sheet is all the better” the former Shamrock Rovers manager said. “Overall I think we deserved to win. It was our second match and second clean sheet so it's a good win.  A lot of good things and a lot of room to improve."

For this first away match of the season, Dundalk will be without Dane Massey, who got two yellow cards against Shamrock Rovers last Friday. Chris Shields may still miss out through injury, although the former Bray man is back in training.

Referee: Anthony Buttimer.

MATCH STATS

Andy Boyle and John Sullivan will both be familar to Shels fans, having previously spent time with the Reds. On the other side, Ger Hanley was understudy to Peter Cherrie at Dundalk last season.

Shelbourne haven’t scored in their two competitive matches this season, but scored ten goals in their five pre-season matches.  

Last season, Shelborne won two of the three meetings between the sides 4-0 at home and 1-0 in Oriel Park in September. Earlier in the season, the two sides had drawn 0-0 in Dundalk.

BETTING

Shelbourne 8/5; Draw 11/5; Dundalk 8/5.

PREDICTION

1-1, although a low-scoring win on either side wouldn’t be a surprise.

Shelbourne

Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Paul Crowley.

Dundalk

Injured: None.
Doubtful: Chris Shields.
Suspended: Dane Massey.