St. Patrick's Athletic -v- Shelbourne

• Damien Byrne
• Mon, Mar 18 2013




 

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

The Saints will be looking to bounce back from a bitterly disappointing performance against Shamrock Rovers last Friday night, going down 3-0. Liam Buckley will be able to shuffle his pack against Shelbourne however, as he has Stephen Maher back from suspension, looking to make his second debut for the Saints.

 

One of Liam Buckley’s new additions for the 2013 campaign, Conan Byrne, will be looking to make his third league start for the Saints against his old side on Tuesday. He spoke about the encounter to stpatsfc.com,

 

“I had a great two years playing with Shels.  The first year there we reached the FAI cup final which was great, while last year unfortunately we couldn’t do as well.  I know I’ll see most of the lads before the game on Tuesday, but to be honest I won’t be thinking about anything other than getting the three points.”

 

Byrne added, “To be honest after the disappointing result last Friday against Rovers, I’m just looking forward to getting back playing so soon so we can get things right on the pitch after a disappointing performance.  We want to put things right after that game.”

 

St Pats manager Liam Buckley is wary of the challenge that the Dublin Derby will provide his team with, and Shels have many ex-Saints who could come back to haunt them in Pat Flynn, Dean Kelly, Philly Hughes and Mark Leech.

 

Buckley said, “Shels may have no points on the board to date, but only for one or two things going against them, they could be a bit further up the league.  They’ve got some good players who have good league experience as well so it should make for a good Dublin derby.  Alan Mathews’ sides are always well organised and you know you’ll always be given a tough test, so I’d expect no different on Tuesday.”

 

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne are one of only two teams not to register a point in the league this year so far, and will be looking to set that straight on the banks of the Camac.

 

Alan Mathews side have had poor disciplinary problems so far this season, with Paul Crowley and Graham Gartland both sent off in the first two league games, meaning the sit out this highly anticipated Dublin Derby. Former St Pat’s players Pat Flynn and Dean Kelly will be expected to play a major part of Alan Mathews depleted squad against St Pats.

 

The game will mark the first Dublin Derby of the season for Shelbourne having played both Bray Wanderers and Dundalk this season, and starts a tough five game run where they play St Pats, Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians, Derry and Sligo Rovers.

 

Referee:  Rob Rogers.

 

 

MATCH STATS

St Pats were unbeaten against their Dublin Rivals last year, with two wins and a draw.

 

There is no less than eight players in line to face their former club, and that figure would have risen to 10 if Paul Crowley and Graham Gartland were not suspended.

 

St Pats haven’t been beaten in six league games at home, and were only beaten three times in the league in Richmond Park in 2012 season.

 

BETTING

St Pats 1/2, Draw 13/5, Shelbourne 6/1.

 

PREDICTION

I can’t see Shels weakened side taking anything from a wounded St Pats team looking to bounce back from Friday’s dismal display, 2-0 St Pats.  

 

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

Injured: Dave Ryan.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended:  None.

 

SHLEBOURNE    

Injured: Glenn Cronin, Ger Hanley.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Graham Gartland, Paul Crowley.