Limerick -v- Shelbourne

• Andrew Cunneen
• Thu, Jun 16 2011


Pat Scully welcomes Alan Mathews’ Shelbourne side to Jackman Park on Friday evening as the First Division produces another top of the table clash this week. A win for either side will seriously reinforce their title challenge. (Kick-off 7.45 pm)

Limerick and Shels have both come off the back of impressive wins in their previous league encounter. Shels, who are sitting pretty at the top of the league, managed to overcome a much improved Mervue side by four goals to nil; their leading marksman Philly Hughes grabbing a hat-trick. Shels then went on to hammer a hapless Wexford Youths by another massive scoreline; six goals to nil being the final score on Monday night in the Leinster Senior Cup quarter-final.

Limerick on the other hand weren’t as spectacular in their defeat of Longford Town. Pat Scully didn’t mind however; clearly delighted that his side are grinding out wins away from home; the sign of champions. Youngster Sean Brosnan got the winner in that encounter. Brosnan, while tipped to be one “for the future” could quite possibly maintain his starting place alongside Chris Breen in the Limerick frontline.

These sides met back on the first day of April, with Limerick producing somewhat of an April Fools’ Day joke on Shelbourne, scoring late once again. Philly Hughes had put Shels into the lead just five minutes from time; but as any Shelbourne fan will tell you, that’s not always a good thing against Limerick. Just as Colin Scanlan and Stephen O’Flynn had done in previous seasons, Paudie Quinn fired home an immaculately struck half volley deep into stoppage time to share the spoils. Both sides have really excelled since then, only losing once since then.

Shelbourne have no injuries to report, while the home side are somewhat injury laden. The Shannonsiders have to make do without their talisman Stephen O’Flynn. He damaged his knee in a one-nil win over Finn Harps five weeks ago. Garry Sheahan is another long term injury; his return is scheduled for eight weeks time, while their most recent injury occurred against Cork City three weeks ago; a knee injury keeping Brian O’Callaghan out for the remainder of the season. Shane Tracy and Thomas Lyons are also a week away from full fitness.

Pat Scully is aware of the Shelbourne threat, but is under no illusions. He said: ““Shels have had a great start to the season and their points total is very impressive. We have had them watched a couple of times recently and it’s fair to say they've had the rub of the green on more than one occasion, but that might not be the case for the whole season. It will be a tough game, but we want to keep our focus and keep pushing up the table.”

Limerick FC:
Injured:Garry Sheahan, Stephen O’Flynn, James O’Brien, Thomas Lyons, Shane Tracy, Brian O’Callaghan.
Doubtful:None.
Suspended:Paddy Purcell.

Shelbourne:
Injured:None.
Doubtful:None.
Suspended:None.

Referee:Paul McLaughlin.
Paddy Power Odds:Limerick 13/8 Draw 15/8 Shelbourne 6/4
Extratime prediction:Limerick to feel the loss of their captain at the heart of the defence. 0-1 Shelbourne.