- Gareth O'Reilly
- Fri, Aug 28 2015
Shelbourne take on the SSE Airtricity League’s form side as Collie O’Neill returns to one of his former clubs when UCD arrive at Tolka Park on Friday night. Kick-off is 19:45.
SHELBOURNE
Shels will be hoping to bounce straight back after a disappointing defeat last time out to Finn Harps. Both of these sides enjoyed a break last Friday night as the Reds and the Students had already been eliminated from the FAI Cup.
In terms of injuries the Drumcondra based side will be without Conor Earley, who is back in training but will not regain match fitness in time for this Friday’s fixture, while Dave Ryan has once again suffered a knee injury and in therefore sidelined.
In some better news Simon Dixon has been back in training the past few weeks, following what can only be described as an injury hit campaign, and has now regained a sufficient level of fitness to be considered for selection once again.
Shels are now eight points off the top of the table while UCD and Wexford also have a game in hand over the current chasing pack.
UCD
UCD’s recent winning run continued when the Students dug as deep as they have ever had to, in order to overcome Athlone Town last time out in the league.
After struggling in the first half, Mark Langtry, Gary O’Neill and Daire O’Connor all converted to ensure Collie O’Neill left Belfield a happy man.
“Despite having a lot of the ball in the first half we really didn’t create too many chances. For the second half we looked to raise the tempo a bit more and bring the game to Athlone and created a lot more chances, and it was rewarded with the two late goals.”
Having struggled in the opening weeks of the 2015 season O’Neill’s side are now looking unstoppable but there is still a mammoth challenge ahead for his team as they go for gold in the First Division.
“With it being a small league all the top teams still have to play each other so teams are going to drop points, and of course we still have to play Wexford twice. It is important we don’t look too far ahead and keep our focus on each game as it comes, starting with getting three points on Friday.”
Referee: David Keeler
MATCH FACTS
UCD have won two while Shels have recorded one victory in the three meetings between these sides so far.
UCD are currently on a 17 game unbeaten run in the league. The longest current streak in both divisions of the League of Ireland.
The Students have just two home games left while Shelbourne have four fixtures left at Tolka Park.
BETTING
Shelbourne 15/8; Draw 9/4; UCD 5/4.
PREDICTION
Shelbourne 1-2 UCD.
Shelbourne
Injured: Conor Early, Dave Ryan (knee).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
UCD
Injured: Greg Sloggett (groin), Samir Belhout (knee).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
