Weekend friendlies preview
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With just seven days to go until the new 2009 League of Ireland season gets underway, clubs from both divisions will be looking to add the final touches to their preparations on a busy final weekend of friendly action.
Friday night sees four ties taking place with top billing going to the visit of First Division Shelbourne to Dalymount Park to take on Premier Division and FAI Cup champions Bohemians (7:45pm). The game represents the final pre-season match for both sides. Pat Fenlon's Gypsies will be looking to round-off what has been an impressive pre-season campaign with another victory, after winning four of their five pre-season friendlies. Meanwhile, Dermot Keeley will be looking for his side to show more of the form that has saw them rattle in nine goals in their last two matches.
Another local derby will take place at Terryland Park with Galway United taking on the league's newest recruits, Mervue United (7:45pm). This will be the second time these two sides have met in pre-season, with Galway securing a narrow 1-0 victory earlier this month.
Other action on Friday night will see Sligo Rovers entertain Finn Harps at the Showgrounds (7:30pm), while Sean Connor's Dundalk take on Monaghan United at Century Homes Park (8pm).
On Saturday, Bray Wanderers welcome Sporting Fingal to the Carlisle Grounds in what is sure to be an intriguing encounter (7:45pm), while Derry City play their final pre-season warm-up against UCD at the Brandywell (7pm).
Sunday sees Dundalk in action once more as they line-out against a Celtic XI in what will be the first game on the new surface at Oriel Park (2pm). Elsehwere, Ireland's very own Hoops, Shamrock Rovers, visit Lissywoolen Park to play Athlone Town (3pm).
Friday night sees four ties taking place with top billing going to the visit of First Division Shelbourne to Dalymount Park to take on Premier Division and FAI Cup champions Bohemians (7:45pm). The game represents the final pre-season match for both sides. Pat Fenlon's Gypsies will be looking to round-off what has been an impressive pre-season campaign with another victory, after winning four of their five pre-season friendlies. Meanwhile, Dermot Keeley will be looking for his side to show more of the form that has saw them rattle in nine goals in their last two matches.
Another local derby will take place at Terryland Park with Galway United taking on the league's newest recruits, Mervue United (7:45pm). This will be the second time these two sides have met in pre-season, with Galway securing a narrow 1-0 victory earlier this month.
Other action on Friday night will see Sligo Rovers entertain Finn Harps at the Showgrounds (7:30pm), while Sean Connor's Dundalk take on Monaghan United at Century Homes Park (8pm).
On Saturday, Bray Wanderers welcome Sporting Fingal to the Carlisle Grounds in what is sure to be an intriguing encounter (7:45pm), while Derry City play their final pre-season warm-up against UCD at the Brandywell (7pm).
Sunday sees Dundalk in action once more as they line-out against a Celtic XI in what will be the first game on the new surface at Oriel Park (2pm). Elsehwere, Ireland's very own Hoops, Shamrock Rovers, visit Lissywoolen Park to play Athlone Town (3pm).
