Waterford United -v- Shelbourne

• Gareth Penrose
• Mon, Oct 26 2009


Waterford United’s fading hopes of a playoff place could be all but over on Tuesday night if they lose to a Shelbourne team looking to hold onto their dream of winning the First Division title.

The Blues are coming into the game on the back of an FAI Cup semi-final exit to Sligo Rovers whilst Shelbourne didn’t play on the weekend as their game against Finn Harps was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. Stephen Henderson’s team earned four points from a possible twelve in October, and now will be relying on Sporting Fingal and Shelbourne to slip up in order to obtain a playoff spot.

Henderson welcomes back Michael Devine, Alan Carey and Willie John Kiely from suspension. Paul Walsh is available for selection having been cup tied on Friday.

Shelbourne trail UCD by seven points but have two games in hand over the Students. A win is really a must for Dermot Keely’s men if they want to gain promotion via the First Division title. Anto Flood and Peter Hynes return for the Reds, whilst Kevin Doherty is a doubt with a calf injury and Richie Baker is recovering from flu.

One thing is for sure, this game should be a tense affair. The Extratime.ie prediction, a Shelbourne win by a single goal.

Venue: RSC Waterford

Last Encounters this season:
05 Jun 09 Shelbourne 1 – 0 Waterford United
20 Mar 09 Waterford United 0 - 1 Shelbourne

Referee: G.Kelly

paddypower.com odds: Waterford United 17/10 Shelbourne 11/8 Draw 21/10

Waterford United
Doubtful: None
Injured: Paul McCarthy (groin)
Suspended: None
Form Guide (league): W-W-D-L-L-W
Leading Scorer: Graham Cummins (17)

Shelbourne
Doubtful: Richie Baker (flu), Kevin Doherty (calf)
Injured: None
Suspended: None
Form Guide: W-D-W-D-D-D
Leading Scorer: David McAllister (15)