Dundalk -v- Limerick FC

• Stephen Pollard
• Fri, Sep 27 2013




DUNDALK:


Dundalk will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to St Patricks Athletic last Friday night in Inchicore. 


The Lilywhites secured their highest finish since 1995 during the week, without even playing. Shamrock Rovers' defeat to Dundalk's visitors for tonight Limerick means the men from the border will finish at least 4th, all but securing European Football with Derry continuing to falter in fourth. 


The Lilywhites will be without captain Stephen O'Donnell and FIFA 14 cover star Patrick Hoban for the game but manager Stephen Kenny feels his side can bounce back regardless, with him believing outright in his players attitude and application.  


“We are missing two of our best players this week but where this club has come from the strides made by everyone associated with the club has been fantastic. We are missing two of our best players but that won’t hinder us. We have overcome so much already. Every time we've been beaten this season we have responded with a victory which shows the resolute nature of the squad. Limerick had a fantastic victory over Shamrock Rovers in mid week, no doubt about that but we are looking to continue our excellent home form.”


Richie Towell has been very influential throughout the campaign and has shown great attacking threat. He feels though that Limerick also posses this threat in abundance. 


“Limerick are very good attacking side with the likes of Galbraith, Curran, Bossekota, and Gaffney making them a very dangerous team. But I think we can compete strongly against them. All games between the two sides have been high scoring matches. So we need to keep things tight at the back and then take our chances.”


LIMERICK:


After a massive win over EA Sports cup winners Shamrock Rovers on Tuesday night Limerick will be hoping to make it six points in four days as they strive to pinch a top half finish in their return to the top flight. 


Coming off that win boss Stuart Taylor says he and his charges are confident of handing St Pats a big helping hand while heaping more pressure onto Stephen Kenny's side.  


“The first time we went up there this season, we scored two goals and we played very well in the game,” Taylor said ahead of Friday’s match. “And we could have come away with the three points if we had got the penalty decision towards the end which we should have had.


“I would say we did fine in the first game. In the second game, in the FAI Cup, we let ourselves down. It was very disappointing but we’re still on a learning curve.


“We’re on a good run just now and we’ve certainly proved that we can score goals against Dundalk. We know how to create chances against them. It’s just about being a little bit more clinical in front of goal.


“We went up there the last time when we were out of shape and out of position, but we’ve now got that back so we’re a lot more positive and confident going to Dundalk.


“I’m sure we’ll be fine, because the players know their jobs now. That game was actually quite good for us up there, being beaten the way that we were, because we had a good look at ourselves and we’ve gone from strength to strength since that game.


“We’ll go up there confident. We’ve come on leaps and bounds since the last game there and we’re in a much better place.


“There is a great balance to the team and a lot of competition for places. We had injuries and suspensions the last time but players are much fitter now. We’re in a good place.


“All the pressure is on Dundalk, they have to go and chase St Pat’s. We’re looking forward to the game.”


Referee: Derek Tomney


Match Stats: 


Last time Limerick visited Oriel Park they were involved in one of the games of the season, loosing 5-3 to a rampant home side. 


Dundalk will be missing Patrick Hoban, Stephen O'Donnell and Keith Ward for the game. These three have combined for 21 goals in all competitions this season. 


Out of the 213 contests between the sides, there has only been 16 scoreless draws and the last came in the first division in 2007 at Oriel Park.


Limerick haven’t won at Oriel Park as a Premier Division club since 1990.


Betting: Dundalk 8/15 Draw 13/5 Limerick 11/2


Prediction: 4-2 Dundalk  


Dundalk: 


Injured: Keith Ward(knee), Pat Hoban (Groin) 


Doubtful: None


Suspended: Stephen O’Donnell


Limerick: 


Injured: Shane Tracey (Knee), Brian McGann(Foot), Brian O'Callaghan (Groin) 


Doubtful:  Shane Costelloe (Ankle)


Suspended: None