Credit:
UCD -v- Sporting Fingal
- Gareth Penrose
- Wed, Apr 21 2010
The only game on Thursday in the Airtricity League Premier Division sees Sporting Fingal travel across the city to take on fellow promoted side UCD at the Belfield Bowl (kick-off 7.45pm).
UCD come into the game on the back of victories in the EA and Leinster Senior Cup which allowed manager Martin Russell to test of some of the players on the fringes of the first team. Russell was pleased with their performances which has lead to the possibility that some could see league action.
“It’s all about taking the opportunity, meeting the challenge. We used the two cup games to give fringe players the opportunity to impress and, give them credit, most of them rose to the occasion. Now it’s my job to get the mix right with the options at my disposal,” said Russell.
Russell has a full squad from which to select with the exception of Brian Connaughton and Gareth Matthews who has resumed training after long term injury.
Sporting Fingal have had a great start to the league campaign and have only lost one in their first eight league games. Manager Liam Buckley is enjoying the positive start.
“I’m delighted to be in the unusual position of having virtually a fully-fit squad and the competition for places can only be good for team performance,” said Buckley.
“We’ve been on this unbeaten run of eight games (seven league, one Leinster Senior Cup) since losing the season opener and it’s certainly lifted morale amongst the lads.
Defender John Frost (hamstring), goalkeeper Brendan Clarke (ankle) and midfielder Kevin Dawson (calf) all return from injury having missed last Friday’s 2-1 win over Dundalk but Shane Barrett is still nursing a thigh strain and will be another week out of action. Shaun Williams is back in contention for a midfield spot after completing his two-match suspension.
In related news, Fingal have announced a new promotion that will see primary school children admitted free to all home league matches in Morton Stadium during the 2010 season.
Speaking at the announcement, Joe Corr, General Manager of the high-flying club said: “It has always been the intention of the club that in order to open up League of Ireland football to our younger fans we must do everything to encourage their attendances at our home matches.
“We did this last season with our Freddie the Fox Club so it has been agreed that in the interest of promoting match attendance as a recreational activity and considering the current financial constraints on many families, a decision has been taken to allow primary school children free entry to Morton Stadium for all Airtricity league matches.”
Venue: Belfield Bowl, Dublin.
Paddypower.com Odds: U.C.D 12/5, Draw 11/5, Sporting Fingal 11/10
U.C.D.
Suspended: none
Injured: Brian Connaughton, Gareth Matthews
Doubtful: none
Sporting Fingal
Suspended: none
Injured: Shane Barrett
Doubtful: none
Extratime Prediction: 1-2 away win
About Gareth Penrose
Gareth Penrose founded extratime.com in 2008 and has worked as a reporter / editor / developer on the site since.
Over the last 14 years, Gareth has covered games in the League …