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Sporting Fingal -v- Dundalk
- P.J. Murray
- Fri, Aug 13 2010
Sporting Fingal -v- Dundalk – Match Preview A tale of two form teams clash on Friday night at Morton Stadium, Fingal are looking for their third win in as many games while Dundalk are merely attempting to stem their recent poor run. (Kick Off 7.45pm)
Liam Buckley’s side are unbeaten in domestic action since losing to Drogheda United on July 19th and in the interim they participated in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght stadium.
In contrast Dundalk have failed to win on the domestic scene since beating Drogheda United 2-1 back in July at Oriel Park. Their recent form has seen them plummet from the top of the table and many are predicting a possible relegation battle come the closing stages of the season.
Fingal come into this game off the back of a hard fought win against a dogged Galway side at Terryland Park, speaking about the win Fingal manager Liam Buckley said
“The win at Galway was by the narrowest of margins but I felt our attacking play merited more than just the one goal. Then, on Tuesday, we got over a possible banana skin in the in the FAI Ford Cup third round replay at Mervue United. The chances were plentiful again. There were good finishes by Shaun Williams Gary O’Neill while Conan Byrne’s later brace wrapped up a good night’s work.”
The homeside currently hold the advantage in clashes between the teams this season as Fingal have picked up maximum points with a 2-1 win at Morton back the at the start of the league followed by a win at Oriel by the same scoreline. However Dundalk did eliminate the Ravens from the EA Sports cup with a 2-0 win in Louth.
Speaking ahead of the game Dundalk defender Shaun Kelly said “It’s not a lie that we haven’t performed well enough recently, we know that ourselves. But I think it was a good display against UCD last Friday in the second half. We came out after the break and we were the better side and I think we deserved the three points.”
For the trip to Morton Dundalk will be without the suspended Stephen Maher, while Garry Breen (illness) and Alan Cawley (back) are also certain absentees. Cawley went under the knife last Monday and reported that the operation “went well”. Stephen McDonnell has returned from international duty and is available along with captain Liam Burns who has not appeared since the side’s last clean sheet. Steven Lennon (foot) is doubtful.
Liam Buckley will have to plan without Colin Hawkins while Shaun Maher returns from suspension to boost the Ravens squad. Lorcan Fitzgerald (hamstring) and Shane McFaul (groin) face pre-match fitness tests.
Sporting Fingal
Injured: Colin Hawkins
Doubtful: Lorcan Fitzgerald, Shane McFaul
Suspended: None.
Dundalk
Injured: Gary Breen, Alan Cawley, .
Doubtful: Steven Lennon .
Suspended: Stephen Maher.
Referee: R Winter.
Extratime Prediction: Fingal to win 2-0.
About P.J. Murray
P.J. generally covers Drogheda games at HD Park and can generally be found at any Dublin ground when of a loose end on a Friday night.