Shelbourne -v- Limerick

• Andrew Cunneen
• Thu, Sep 15 2011


Shelbourne host promotion chasing Limerick at Tolka Park this Friday evening in a fixture which will be repeated once again in the FAI Cup quarter-finals in three weeks time following the FAI’s decision to re-instate Shelbourne to the competition. This weekend however, the stakes are remarkably higher, with three points for either side meaning far more than a cup success. (Kickoff 8pm)

The home side haven’t been off form this season whatsoever, only finding themselves on the losing side twice; at home to Monaghan and away to Cork City. Since their 4-1 thrashing in Turners Cross, the Reds have picked up maximum points in their three games since the game in Cork. Wins against Longford, Wexford and Mervue see the Drumcondra based outfit come into this one on form, if not playing particularly well.

Limerick will arrive in north Dublin knowing that a win is the only feasible outcome in which to maintain their promotion hopes. Pat Scully, who has just agreed a two year extension with the club, will surely be on the offensive in search of the three points with Denis Behan, Rory Gaffney, Shane Tracy and Paudie Quinn all expected to provide an attacking prowess. Limerick’s promotion hopes were just kept alive last week thanks to a ninety-second minute winner from Denis Behan against Longford. Slip-ups from here-on in will be far more costly.

These teams have a rich history, filled with drama and in particular, late goals. It is Limerick who cost Shelbourne their promotion in the penultimate game of the 2008 season. Limerick tend to do better in Tolka Park than at home against the Reds, and Shels favour the Careys Road venue.

So far this season, the sides have met twice. The first encounter was another example of late goals deciding this fixture. Shels took the lead with ten minutes to go through Philly Hughes, before Paudie Quinn levelled the tie in the dying seconds. When the sides met again in Limerick, the result was not so close. Shelbourne walked out of Jackman Park with all three points thanks to goals from David Cassidy, Philly Hughes and Conan Byrne in a comprehensive 3-0 win.

Shels assistant manager Barry O’Connor spoke after his sides win in Galway ahead of his side’s encounter with the Blues. Speaking to ShelsTV.com, he said: We’ll go and do our job again and hopefully pick up three points. Nobody’s going to roll over for us, we’re just going to have to work hard, as hard as we have been doing and just go game by game, week by week. Limerick’s the next one so we’ll prepare this week with three good training sessions - and bring in Limerick then on Friday.”

Whatever the outcome, these games are typically high in drama, and with both sets of supporters expected to be in full voice, an atmosphere is expected. This is one not to miss. A win for Shelbourne see’s them almost clinch their crown, while anything other than a victory for Lims will draw an end to their promotion hopes.

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

Limerick FC:
Injured: Garry Sheahan, David Ryan, Brian O’Callaghan, Stephen O’Flynn, James O’Brien, Shaun Maher.
Doubtful: John Frost.
Suspended: None.

Referee: Conor Fitzgerald.

Paddy Power Odds: Shelbourne 10/11 Draw 11/5 Limerick 11/4

Extratime prediction: A score draw, with a late goal, again.