Credit:
Dundalk -v- St. Patrick's Athletic
- Jody Moylan
- Thu, Oct 08 2009
St. Patrick's Athletic have it all to do on Friday night when they travel to Oriel Park (kick off 7.45pm) to take on a teak tough Dundalk outfit, if form is anything to go by.
Richard Sadlier’s comments on Monday's MNS that the Saints were looking at their league position more positively after the victory over bottom side Bray Wanderers were dealt a huge blow on Tuesday night when Sligo Rovers arrived at Inchicore and left with all three points. Pete Mahon’s mission of keeping Pat’s above the relegation zone is completely hanging in the balance now, with points against the teams around them a must if the Saints are to weather the storm and give their fans some positive light. The chance of getting six points clear of the Westerners was lost on Tuesday and the running doesn’t get any smoother at the end of the week with the trek north to Co. Louth.
“Time is against us and playing on an artificial pitch is going to be a challenge in itself,” stated Mahon.
The poor form at home has been a huge problem for the Saints all season and it was ultimately the 2-0 FAI Cup loss to Waterford United at Richmond Park that saw Jeff Kenna’s untimely demise. Mahon is under no illusions as to the challenge posed for the remainder of the season.
“When you don’t win your home games it’s going to give you problems….we’ll have to rectify that. There’s only six remaining and we’ll have to, have to, start winning,” the new Pat's boss insisted.
Sean Connor goes into this one coming off the back of a two-all draw away to Louth rivals Drogheda United last Friday. Ger Rowe and Darren Mansaram’s goals were cancelled out by a late James Chambers’ strike. Recent fixtures have seen the Lilywhites win two, draw two and lose two and would seem to reflect their mid-table position. They will have to plan without the suspended duo of Alex Wiliiams and Michael Daly.
The aforementioned Richard Sadlier spoke also on Monday night about the need for teams such as Dundalk in particular to keep pushing for points. Although safe from relegation and nowhere near the table toppers, there may well be extra milk and honey up for grabs in the form of European places should sanctions be handed down to certain clubs in the mire at the moment.
Dundalk are currently in fifth place on 41 points while St. Pat's lie four places off the bottom on 33. Both have 30 games played.
extratime.ie Prediction: Dundalk have only lost once at home in seven games and St. Pat's have done little to convince since Pete Mahon’s arrival. Home win. 2-0
