Preview: Limerick 37 vs Shelbourne

• David Byrne
• Thu, May 01 2008




Second placed Shelbourne look to maintain their pressure on league leaders Dundalk when they travel to Limerick to face Limerick 37 FC this Friday (kick-off 7:45pm). Limerick 37 host Shelbourne at Jackman Park in what should be an enthralling encounter between two in-form teams.

Despite Limerick’s midweek defeat at the hands of Cork City in the League Cup, they will be going into Friday night’s game full of confidence. Mike Kerley's fifth placed side will look to build on last weekend’s win over Kildare when they host in-form Shelbourne on Friday night. Shelbourne, who are unbeaten in five League games, are hoping to keep their title ambitions alive.

This season was always expected to be a learning curve for Limerick’s young squad and Kerley’s side will have gained a huge amount of confidence from last week’s 2-1 win at Station Road. Shelbourne seem to have found their feet in the First Division this season as they lie in second place with only one defeat to their name.

If home side Limerick have any ambition of getting a result tomorrow, they will have to closely watch Shelbourne striker Anto Flood who is in top form this season. With 7 goals in 8 games so far this season, the Limerick 37 defence will need to be on their toes from kick-off.

Speaking to limerick37fc.ie Mike Kerley said “Shelbourne will bring a lot of experience to Jackman Park on Friday”. A large home crowd is expected at Friday’s game as Limerick look to keep their good form alive. Despite losing their 100% record to Dundalk two weeks ago, Mike Kerley is still very confident that Jackman Park can remain a fortress this season.

Limerick Team News: Limerick remains without Captain Pat Purcell who is a long term injury worry. Shane Tracy and Darren Harrington are both expected to miss Friday night’s game, while midfielder Wayne Colbert faces a late fitness tests to determine if he has recovered from a recent injury which he picked up against Dundalk. Mike Kerley’s side have no suspensions to worry about.

Shelbourne Team News: Dermot Keely has the luxury of a full squad to choose from, with the exception of the injured Phil Hughes. Hughes will miss Friday nights clash due to an angle injury he picked up against Waterford United last week. Greg O’Halloran, Alan Murphy and Alan Byrne all return from suspension and all three are looking to battle for a place in the starting line-up. In other Shelbourne team news, American midfielder Max Cream could make his competitive debut after the problems with his international clearance have been sorted.