Credit:
St. Patrick's Athletic -v- Dundalk
- Aidan Farrelly
- Thu, Mar 24 2011
St. Patrick’s Athletic welcome Dundalk to Richmond Park in the Airtricity Premier Division on Friday night, with the Saints looking to bounce back from recent defeats to Bray Wanderers and more recently against Shamrock Rovers (Kick off 7.45pm).
The Saints have not had the start they would have liked in this year's campaign, with boss Pete Mahon guiding his side to one win from three outings. Lilywhite boss Ian Foster has managed a little better, winning one as well as grinding out a 0-0 draw against Bohemians. Like Pat’s, Dundalk have also suffered defeat at the hands of last year’s Champions Shamrock Rovers recently.
The home side continue to be without the services of Conor Kenna (knee) whilst Brian Shorthall (ankle) is highly unlikely to line out. Upfront, and Ian Daly (hip) and Daryl Kavanagh (hamstring) will miss out, with last year’s top scorer Danny North doubtful also.
Eoghan Osborne (hamstring) is sidelined for Dundalk whilst Dean Bennett (suspended) and Shane Guthrie (ineligible) will be unavailable for selection on Friday. There is some positive news for Dundalk supporters however, with Michael Hector available following a suspension.
Speaking ahead of the tie, Saints manager Pete Mahon is well aware of the threat Dundalk pose, realising that his side’s will at times, need the rub of the green.
“It’s obviously going to be a difficult game against Dundalk particularly with the injury problems we have. They’ve had a great start to the season as they did last season and unlike last season we haven’t.
“The games between the two sides last year were spicy affairs but without any malice and I would expect more of the same tomorrow. It will be a tough game for us but it will also be a tough game for them.
“We were all disappointed after last week’s game as I think we did enough to get a draw out of the game. Like last season’s games between ourselves and Rovers I thought we were missing a little bit of luck. Some people say that luck doesn’t play a part but I think it does and once we start getting a rub of the green we’ll be alright and we’ll do well.”
St. Patrick’s Athletic
Injured: Conor Kenna, Daryl Kavanagh, Ian Daly
Doubtful: Brian Shorthall, Danny North
Suspended: None
Dundalk FC
Injured: Eoghan Osborne
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Dean Bennett
Ineligible: Shane Guthrie
Extratime prediction: Dundalk to win 2-1
About Aidan Farrelly
Aidan Farrelly joined the extratime team in mid 2010. A Kildare native, Aidan reports on St. Patrick's Athletic as well as other Dublin Clubs. Aidan can be contacted at: farrelly.aidan@gmail.com