St. Patrick's Athletic -v- Dundalk

• Simon O'Gorman
• Thu, Sep 19 2013




ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

St Patrick’s Athletic have led the Premier Division since mid May when they overtook the title holders Sligo Rovers, but with just six games to go before the 2013 champions are crowned the Saints' grip on first place has never been so slender.

 

What was, back in early June, a nine point gap between them and fourth placed Dundalk has since been whittled down to an advantage that extends only to goal difference. If either of these teams can fashion a win on Friday night they will have taken a  significant step towards the crown.

 

The unique stresses of a title run-in mean that mental strength will be key and St Pats will have to pick themselves up from their FAI Cup quarter-final defeat to Shamrock Rovers last weekend. Dundalk, meanwhile, can’t afford to let the afterglow of destroying Shelbourne 5-1 in the same competition dull their competitive edge.

 

One of the curiosities of this year's campaign has been Dundalk’s ability to take points on the road and a sizable travelling support is likely to further bolster the Lilywhite’s confidence when they take to the field at Richmond Park. But St Pats have a fine record at home, unbeaten in their last 12 league games in Inchicore, albeit the one league game they have lost on home turf was to Dundalk back in early April.

 

Manager Liam Buckley will be without two players for this clash with Stephen Maher out for the rest of the season having suffered a leg break against Derry City a couple of weeks ago and Greg Bolger suspended after his sending off against Shamrock Rovers last Friday night.

 

Buckley will also have to wait on fitness tests for Killian Brennan and Shane McFaul, both of whom started against Shamrock Rovers but were forced off due to injuries. 

 

DUNDALK

Despite widespread expectation that Dundalk did not have the strength in depth to sustain a title challenge to the bitter end, Stephen Kenny’s men come into this crucial game as the team with that most valued commodity, momentum.

 

Kenny’s men are undefeated in nine league outings, winning eight of those, and have just booked a place in the FAI Cup semi-finals courtesy of a thumping 5-1 win over Shelbourne at Tolka Park last week. They have also established a potentially decisive ability to win points away from home, winning ten of their 13 league games away from Oriel Park and losing just two.

 

It should also be pointed out that the Lilywhites have failed to score just three times in league and cup this season with all three of their shut-outs coming against Shamrock Rovers. At the other Dundalk have kept clean sheets in six of their last nine league games.

 

Pat Hoban, with 16 goals to his name in all competitions, will lead the line for Dundalk again on Friday night but Richie Towell, one of the teams most impressive performers throughout 2013, may also prove a goal threat having managed four goals in the last four matches.

 

Stephen Kenny will be without three players on Friday night with Keith Ward continuing to miss out with a long term injury, while Darren Meenan and Chris Shields are both suspended.

 

Referee: Tomas Connolly.

 

 

MATCH STATS

Both of these teams are nine games unbeaten in the league. Dundalk have won eight and drawn one, while St Pats have won five and drawn four.

 

Dundalk and St Pats have met twice already this season with the Lilywhites winning 2-1 on both occasions.

 

Dundalk have lost three times in Dublin this season and all three defeats came at the hands of Shamrock Rovers.

 

 

BETTING

St Pats 11/10, Draw 11/5, Dundalk 12/5.

 

PREDICTION

A 2-2 draw

 

 

St Patrick’s Athletic

Inured: Stephen Maher.
Doubtful: Killian Brennan, Shane McFaul.
Suspended: Greg Bolger.

 

Dundalk

Inured: Keith Ward.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Darren Meenan, Chris Shields.