UCD -v- Dundalk

• Gareth O'Reilly
• Thu, Aug 29 2013




UCD

UCD return to action after having the luxury of a weekend off due to not being involved in last week's FAI Cup games. The Students will be fresh and up for the challenge of hosting a second place Dundalk team that look unstoppable in the league at the moment. Kick-off is set for 7.45PM.

 

In the College's last game they successfully overcame the challenge of Limerick with Dean Clarke once again getting on the score sheet as the young attacker continues his sparkling form since the departure of David McMillan.

 

The last time these sides played each other in the Belfield Bowl UCD collapsed in the final fifteen minutes as Dundalk scored twice to win out on a score line of 2-1. Martin Russell's men did however get their revenge when the Students created an upset by beating Dundalk in Oriel Park 2-1.

 

Speaking ahead of the game boss Martin Russell is looking for more of the same this time round.

 

"We are definitely looking forward to this match. A reproduction of how we played in our last away fixture to Limerick will be needed. Considering the unbelievable penalty decision given against the lads in the first minute, the response was immense.

 

"It’s not the first time that we have found ourselves behind only to show a never say die attitude, with some thoughtful and incisive football we managed to take home a well earned three points."

 

Russell has no fresh injury concerns with just Aymen Ben Mohamed out injured. On the suspension side of things James Kavanagh and Mark Langtry are once again available for selection having served bans. Interestingly enough both Kavanagh and Langtry were sent off in the same game by tonight's assistant referee Lee Bevans. Hugh Douglas will miss out having accumulated four yellow cards throughout the course of the season.

 

DUNDALK

Dundalk are expected to bring their largest travelling support of the season for this trip to the Belfield Bowl as every win from here on out gets the County Louth club one step closer to the title.

 

While UCD were enjoying their night off last weekend Dundalk were smashing five goals past a hapless Limerick team. The weekend before that Stephen Kenny oversaw his sides 2-0 victory against Sligo Rovers which was their fourth consecutive league win making the Lilywhites the form team in the Premier Division.

 

Former UCD playmaker Keith Ward continues to miss out with a knee injury while John Moutney is a doubt as he attempts to recover from ankle ligament damage in time for the game. He therefore faces a late fitness test to prove that he merits a place in the match day squad.

 

John Dillon and Brian Gartland are both expected to once again be available having missed last weeks emphatic cup win through injuries. The only other potential change could be new signing Conor Winn breaking into the 18 man panel for Friday night's game.

 

Stephen Kenny speaking ahead of the game to Dundalk's official website was keen to warn against complacency despite his sides recent good form.

 

“Every week is a tough match in this league. Every week presents a new challenge to you. There are no easy matches and this week is no different. UCD are a good side who play good football. They can turn over any side, we know that and we’ll have to be at our best to get a result. Each game is important and the players have shown the requisite hunger to succeed this season.”

 

Referee: Tomas Connolly

 

 

MATCH FACTS

So far this season there have been 41 goals scored in just 12 games that have taken place in the Belfield Bowl.

 

Dundalk have not been involved in a goalless draw since the opening day of the season.

 

In the two clubs history it is UCD that have the better winning percentage with a 39.4% rate while Dundalk have a 36.4% winning margin.

 

BETTING

UCD 10/3 Draw 12/5 Dundalk 4/5

 

PREDICTION

Dundalk are the leagues form team and should record a comfortable 3-1 victory

 

UCD

Injured: Aymen Ben Mohammad (foot)
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Hugh Douglas

 

Dundalk

Injured: Keith Ward (Knee)
Doubtful: John Mountney (ankle ligaments)
Suspended: None