Dundalk -v- Shamrock Rovers

• Jessica Farry
• Sat, Sep 03 2011


Dundalk will welcome Ireland’s European representatives Shamrock Rovers to Oriel Park on Saturday night for their sixth competitive meeting of the season. (Kick-Off 5.30pm)

When these sides met at Tallaght back in June, Michael O’Neill’s hoops staged a stunning comeback after going 2-0 down. A first-half goal from Mark Griffin gave the Lilywhites the lead. Griffin then doubled his tally, and Dundalk’s, when he brought the score to 2-0 in the 62nd minute. Rovers then turned things around and grabbed one goal back through a fine strike from Chris Turner. With seconds left on the clock, Billy Dennehy headed home to give Shamrock Rovers a point.

In their last meeting at Oriel Park, the sides also had to share the spoils. Rovers took the lead through a Karl Sheppard goal from an Enda Stevens through ball. Jason Byrne converted a penalty in the 36th minute when Mark Quigley was taken down by Enda Stevens. In fact, Ian Foster’s side have fallen to defeat at the hands of the Hoops just once in the league this season. That defeat came on the opening day when the Lilywhites took the lead through a Jason Byrne penalty on 44 minutes. Gary McCabe pulled one back just before half-time with a stunning goal and Gary Twigg was on hand to give the Hoops the victory when he netted twice in the second half, taking the score to 3-1.

In his 100th league game in management, Ian Foster will still be without Eoghan Osborne, Stephen McDonnell and Stephen Maher through injury, while Ross Gaynor will take painkilling injections so that he can play with an ankle injury. It is hoped that both Michael Hector and Daniel Kearns will be at Oriel Park on Saturday and will be presented to the crowd at half-time. Hector’s loan deal from Reading ended in June as a result of a knee injury and Kearns signed for English Championship side Peterborough United on a three year deal during the week.

Michael O’Neill remains without Dean Kelly, Ken Oman and Conor McCormack while Ronan Finn is a doubt. He does however have Rohan Ricketts and Jim Paterson available after both were confirmed during the week. O’Neill said: “It’s a big game for us, and gets us back focused on the league; it’s been a few weeks now since we played a league game. We’re coming in to the final quarter and our aim is to win every game this quarter.”

Dundalk
Injured: Eoghan Osborne (fractured tibia), Stephen McDonnell (knee), Stephen Maher (fractured metatarsal).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Dean Kelly (groin), Ken Oman (knee), Conor McCormack (knee).
Doubtful: Ronan Finn (knee).
Suspended: None.

Referee: Richie Winter.
Paddy Power Odds: Dundalk 3/1; Draw 5/2; Shamrock Rovers 5/6.
Extratime prediction: A 3-1 win for Shamrock Rovers.