League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Cabinteely

SHELBOURNE FC

Shelbourne welcome fellow mid-table side Cabinteely to Tolka Park in what is the final game of the SSE Airtricity League First Division 2017 season at the Drumcondra venue (Kick-off is at 7.45pm)

 

Shelbourne will be looking to write the wrongs of their 4-1 home drubbing against Cabinteely at Tolka. Cabos Christian Lotefa completed the scoring in the one-sided rout of Owen Heary’s men. In their most recent meeting, Cabinteely edged out their Dublin rivals with a late Jack Watson winner.

 

However, Shels will be encouraged by their recent Leinster Senior Cup final win over 2nd placed Premier Division side Dundalk. However, a very changed Lilywhite outfit were in action that night with many of their Under 19s playing.

 

Dayle Rooney, James English and a brace from Adam Evans saw the reds return the Leinster Senior Cup to Tolka Park for the first time since their 2010 triumph with a 4-2 victory.

 

Conor Clifford and Jake O’Connor scored for “The Lilywhites” to bring the game to extra-time but Shels pulled away in the final 30 minutes despite the late dismissal of Niall Lanigan in the 118th minute at Oriel Park.



 

Should Shelbourne grab the victory at home in their final game, they would leapfrog Cabinteely who are in 4th place and finish just outside the top three of the First Division.

 

Aaron Ashe, Mark Hughes, Reece McEnteer and Sean Byrne are all out through injury. In addition to this the duo Aidan Collins and Derek Prendergast are doubtful for the game as per the club. Niall Lanigan is suspended following his dismissal during their Leinster Senior Cup final win on Wednesday evening.

 

CABINTEELY FC



Cabinteely will be looking to solidify their highest ever league of Ireland finish in avoiding defeat away to 5th placed Shelbourne at Tolka Park.

 

In what is a new enough version of a Dublin derby, Cabinteely will be looking to seize on their positive results over Shels in recent times with a third win in a row over their rivals.

 

The game will also take on an added importance for Cabo as forward Kieran Marty waters will be hoping to cement his lead at the top of the goal scoring charts in the First Division. Currently, UCDs Georgie Kelly is behind him but Marty Waters has the buffer of two goals against the UCD hitman.

 

Last time out, Cabinteely were comprehensive 6-2 victors over basement strugglers Athlone Town with Marty Waters, Ryan Swan and Joe Doyle all getting on the scoresheet. Former Longford Town man Stephen Walsh got on the act for Athlone alongside Claudio Silva to add a sense of respectability to the score line.

 

In their previous away game, Cabo were shock 3-0 winners over 2nd placed Cobh Ramblers which Stephen Henderson’s rams fall short in their quest to haul back the lead of Waterford. The result saw Waterford crowned as the First Division champions of 2017.

 

Cabinteely have yet to provide any team news for the game.

 

Referee: Gavin Colfer

 

MATCH STATS

Cabinteely have only won two of their previous five away games, with their wins coming over Athlone Town and Cobh Ramblers.

 

Prior to Cabinteely’s 4-1 win over Shelbourne, they had never got the better of their Dublin counterparts, with Shels generally edging out Cabo.

 

Should Shelbourne manage to grab the win over Cabinteely, they would finish in 4th place but if they were to drop points at home to Cabo they could end up finishing below Longford Town in 6th place.

 

BETTING

Shelbourne FC 11/10 Draw 12/5 Cabinteely FC 11/5

 

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 2-1 Cabinteely

 

Shelbourne FC

Injured: Aaron Ashe, Reece McEnteer, Mark Hughes, Sean Byrne

Doubtful: Aidan Collins, Derek Prendergast

Suspended: Niall Lanigan

 

Cabinteely FC

Injured: Unknown

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspended: None

 

 

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