Preview: Limerick 37 vs Kildare County

• David Byrne
• Fri, Jul 04 2008




Limerick 37 host Kildare County on Friday evening (Kick-off 7:45p.m) as both sides look to put daylight between themselves and the bottom of the table. Following Limerick’s 2-0 win against Dundalk in Oriel Park last Thursday, Mike Kerley’s young side will be full of confidence going into Friday’s game.

Limerick are without a home win in over three months and they will be encouraged by the result in Dundalk and the result when these two sides met at Station Road in April, which saw Limerick come away with all three points after a 2-1 win.

Kildare have been unlucky in recent games and manager John Ryan thought his side deserved a draw against promotion hopefuls Waterford United “When you think of it Austin O’Neill had not got a save to make in the second half.” New signing, Eoin Powderly is set to make his debut against Limerick and manager John Ryan promises more signings to follow during the July transfer window “Watch this space, something will happen in the window.”

Limerick have made thirteen new signings since the beginning of June and manager Mike Kerley has already handed a debut to six of these players. He is building for the future and Kildare will prove a tough test for Mike Kerley’s young side. It is games like this that will provide huge experience for Limerick’s squad.

A win for the hosts, would be the first time they managed back to back wins in the League this season. An American style celebration to celebrate Independence Day will be a major attraction for the fans on Friday night, but the home fans will hope the real action happens on the pitch.

Limerick 37 Team News: Limerick have no suspensions to worry about and with stand-in captain Tommy Barrett returning from his honeymoon last week, Limerick have nearly a full squad with the exception of long term injury worry Pat Purcell. Pat Purcell has resumed training and he is expected to return to the side in the coming weeks. Shane Tracy’s loan spell has ended and he returns to Galway United.

Kildare County Team News: Kildare manager John Ryan has no suspension worries but striker Philly Gorman is doubtful due to a groin injury. He only took part in light training this week and he faces a late fitness test to determine if he is able to face the Shannonsiders.

New signing Eoin Powderly is expected to make his debut on Friday night. The promising 17 year old left full back signed from Kilcock Celtic.

Extratime.ie Predictions: A hard fought home win.