St. Patrick's Athletic -v- UCD

• Eoin Manning
• Thu, Mar 18 2010


When the fixture list was released an early season visit from former club UCD would have unquestionably captured the imagination of Pete Mahon.

Whether or not he expected his St.Patrick’s Athletic outfit to be top of the Airtricity League Premier Division and in the semi-final of the Setanta Sport’s Cup is rather more questionable but that is the reality of the situation for Mahon and co. ahead of Friday night’s game (kick off 7.45pm)

The students have made a promising start to the season in their own right following last year’s promotion and will have considered themselves more than a touch unfortunate to have lost two late goals to champions Bohemians last time out in 2-1 defeat.

Mahon has hailed the brand of football his one time assistant Martin Russell has the students playing and will not overlook the men from Belfield.

“I could see the coaching qualities that Martin possessed a few years back and his transition from assistant to manager has been a seamless one.” The Pat’s boss told the club’s official website.

Adding: “His achievement in guiding UCD to promotion as First Division champions is almost impossible to overstate, to win a league that contained Sporting Fingal, Shelbourne and Waterford United was a brilliant feat.”

"We’re under no illusions as to the challenge facing us on Friday night” stressed Mahon.

Mahon has no serious injury worries going into the game with Noel Haverty returning from a hamstring injury. Brian Cash is missing through suspension.

UCD will be without Greg Bolger who is suspended having been sent off in the Bohs game. Robbie Creevy picked up an injury during his second half appearance and Paul Corry is still not ready to join the squad. Brian Shorthall, injured on Tuesday, looks likely to recover in time to make the squad but Sean Harding, suspended for the Bohs game, picked up an injury in training and doesn’t. The other absentee is keeper Ger Barron, who is about to resume training after injury in the Collingwood Cup.

It could well prove to be a more even game than many are predicting but The Saints are in good form just now and should complete a third consecutive league victory.

St.Patrick’s Athletic:
Injured: none
Doubtful: none
Suspended: Brian Cash

UCD:
Injured: Paul Corry, Sean Harding and Ger Barron
Doubtful: Robbie Creevey and Brian Shorthall
Suspended: Greg Bolger

Venue: Richmond Park, Inchicore

Referee: Alan Kelly

Paddypower.com odds: St.Pat’s 3/4, UCD 15/4, Draw 23/10.

Extratime.ie prediction: 2-1 to the hosts.