Preview: Limerick 37 vs Dundalk

• David Byrne
• Thu, Apr 17 2008




Limerick 37 host table toppers Dundalk this Friday in Jackman Park (Kick-off 7:45p.m). Limerick look to keep their 100% home record alive, but it will be a difficult task for Mike Kerley’s side against an in-form Dundalk side. Dundalk travel to Limerick unbeaten so far this season. While Mike Kerley’s side have struggled so far this season, John Gill’s side have started the season in impressive form having won four and drawn two of their opening six games.

After an impressive comeback against Athlone last Saturday night, Limerick’s young side will go into Friday night’s clash with Dundalk full of confidence. A late Dave Ryan equaliser earned 10 men Limerick a 2-2 draw in Lisseywoollen. The fact that Limerick came back after goalkeeper David Ryan was sent off shows the determination and character of this young squad. This will stand to them against Dundalk, as belief plays an important factor in such a young squad.

Speaking to the Limerick Leader, Limerick manager Mike Kerley said “We want to play football here. We’re not the biggest side nor are we one of the more experienced, but at least we're going to try and play the best football that we can. Dundalk are a very experienced side, but they're also a very physical side which could give us a problem. If people come along to the game and notice the stature of our players in comparison to the Dundalk lads they will see a big difference. They're all six foot plus, where a lot of our guys are five six or five seven so there's a physical strength there that they will have over us. They will also have an advantage on us in terms of experience, but the one thing you can say about our players is that they will never give up.”

The last time these two sides met a brace from John Tierney gave Limerick a 2-0 win in Oriel Park. Limerick’s last home game against Dundalk on the 24th of August last year saw Limerick beat Dundalk 4-1 in Jackman Park. This result was seen as a turning point in Dundalk’s bid for promotion last season as their form deteriorated after that trip to Jackman Park. They eventually finished 3rd behind Cobh and Finn Harps respectively. Dundalk manager John Gill will see Friday’s game as a chance for some revenge on Limerick.

Referee Graeme Kelly will take control of Friday night’s game in what should be a physical game between two sides with a lot at stake. Limerick CEO Andrew Mawhinney has called for the Limerick public to come out and support their local Eircom League side against Dundalk. Speaking to www.Limerick37fc.ie, he said “There is no doubt there is support for senior soccer in Limerick and both Jack McCarthy and I are of the strong belief that the Limerick sporting public will start supporting Limerick FC in greater numbers now that they can have confidence in the way the club is run both on and off the field.”

Dundalk FC Team News:
Dundalk manager John Gill should have the luxury of picking from a fully fit squad for this Friday's trip to Limerick. Dundalk have no suspension worries, while both striker Robbie Martin, who went off with an ankle knock against Waterford last week, and midfielder Paul Shiels, who has sat out the last two games because of a similar injury, should be in line for a return here.

Limerick 37 FC Team News:
Limerick 37 are without influential club captain Pat Purcell, who remains a long term injury worry. Purcell, who went for a scan on his injury during the week, is expected to be out of action for at least another month. Goalkeeper David Ryan begins his two-match suspension on Friday night against Dundalk after his dismissal in Athlone last Saturday night. Derek McCarthy has recovered from groin injury and the flu and he should be in line for return this Friday after spending the game against Athlone on the bench. Limerick duo Wayne Colbert and Shane Tracy face late fitness tests after missing last weekend's game with Athlone with minor injuries.

Verdict:
An experienced Dundalk side should be too strong for this young Limerick squad. Mike Kerley has Limerick playing some great football at home so they will be hard to break down but Dundalk’s class should carry them through for another close away win.