League Preview: Cabinteely FC -v- UCD

• Gareth O'Reilly
• Thu, Apr 09 2015




CABINTEELY

Stradbrook will host UCD for the very first time on Friday night in what is set to become the newest South Dublin derby and rivalry.

 

Eddie Gormley’s men were well defeated by Shamrock Rovers on Monday evening but they still managed to frustrate the Tallaght side for long periods in the first half.

 

One of the reasons for this was that Pat Fenlon was left with little to no choice but to instruct his players to play an uncharacteristically long ball style of football due to the horrible bounce that has yet to be beaten out of the Stradbrook surface, with the Hoops goalkeepers having to be especially on their guard when kicking the rolling ball along the ground.

 

Cabo have no suspensions to worry about while no team news has yet to be released by the leagues newest outfit.

 

UCD

UCD are still without a win since the opening weekend of the 2015 season but in slightly better news at least Collie O’Neill’s side have managed to halt their losing run which saw them lose league games to Shelbourne, Athlone Town and Wexford Youths.

 

A 2-2 draw against top of the table Finn Harps is a result that O’Neill will hope can catapult his side back to the kind of form required to gain promotion.

 

"We played a lot better last week, we created a lot of good scoring opportunities and had two great scoring chances to extend our lead when we were at 2-1. Their equaliser was a great strike from a quality player in Kevin, but we need to start seeing out games better."

 

The Students will be desperate to not suffer defeat to Cabinteely for the second time in a month, with the former Shelbourne manager indicating that his squad must improve at the back if they are to succeed in having a successful season in 2015.

 

"We have conceded too many goals so far this season, it is something we are working hard at in training and in time the clean sheets will come.”

 

The College are yet to enter into a game this campaign with a fully fit squad and this time round Mick Leahy, who limped off against Finn Harps, Greg Sloggett and Ian Ryan are all set to miss out. In more promising news Thomas Boyle could be in-line for a recall after he resumed training and officially re-signed with the club.

 

Referee: Andrew Mullally

 

MATCH FACTS

These sides have already met once before as Cabinteely ran out 1-0 victors at the UCD Bowl in the EA Sports Cup

 

UCD have only been involved in two First Division games this year where both teams have hit the back of the net.

 

Cabinteely have never lost a game having scored a goal.

 

BETTING

Cabinteely 4/1; Draw 23/10; UCD 4/6

 

PREDICTION

Cabinteely 1-1 UCD

 

Cabinteely

Injured: Unknown

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspended: None

 

UCD

Injured: Mick Leahy, Greg Sloggett, Ian Ryan

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None