League Preview: Dundalk -v- Shelbourne

• Andrew Dempsey
• Mon, Mar 06 2023




DUNDALK

Dundalk will be looking to back up their first win of the season when they take on Shelbourne at Oriel Park on Monday (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Lilywhites demolished St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday night thanks to a scintillating display in a 5-0 win.

And their boss Stephen O’Donnell will be hoping that his charges can replicate a similar level of performance against the Reds in their quest to get their season truly up and running.

He explained: “Friday’s win will give our squad belief.

“It’s okay with us saying we’ve got good quality but it’s important for the players to see exactly what they can do when they do play to their potential against another strong team.

“It’ll give individuals belief, it’ll give our squad belief and it’ll give the supporters belief but one swallow doesn’t make a summer.

“We’re not there yet. We’re still a work in progress but I think we saw on Friday what potentially could be there.”

Paul Doyle is a doubt for the game while Robbie Benson and Robbie McCourt are once again expected to miss out. Paul Doyle is a doubt.

SHELBOURNE

Also claiming their first win of the season on Friday night against Bohemians, Shelbourne make the trip up to Co. Louth to face Dundalk.

Kian Leavy’s second-half strike was the difference between the sides at Tolka Park on Friday night after Bohs winger Dylan Connolly was dismissed minutes before.

But Shels win against Bohs means they are now bouncing into Monday’s game against the Lilywhites.

And their boss Duff said: “I am looking forward to it regardless of what their result was on Friday.

“The most difficult thing about going to Oriel Park is, of course they have quality, but playing on artificial grass.

“We just have to manage that and manage how we play. I’m not surprised by their result against St Pat’s and they have a lot of top players. It should be an interesting game.”

Sean Boyd is ruled out while Shane Griffin is also expected to miss out.

Referee: Damien MacGraith.

 

PREDICTION

Dundalk 1 - 1 Shelbourne

 

Dundalk

Injured: Robbie McCourt, Robbie Benson, John Mountney.

Doubtful: Paul Doyle.

Suspended: None.

 

Shelbourne

Injured: Sean Boyd, Shane Griffin.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.