Limerick -v- UCD

• Andrew Cunneen
• Mon, Mar 18 2013




 

LIMERICK FC

After two very different but equally important displays in their first two Premier Division games, Limerick entertain basement side UCD as they look to grab their first win of the season. A highly entertaining scoreless draw at Thomond in the opening week was then complimented by a gritty performance in Drogheda. Whatever the situation. Limerick have shown they can apply themselves accordingly.

 

Rory Gaffney will miss out once more but could be in contention for Saturday's clash with Sligo. Dominic Foley is still a week away as well while Jeffrey Judge is recovering from illness and would be lucky to make the squad because of that. A double dismissal in Hunky Dorys Park will see Aaron Brown and Axel Bossekota suspended for this tie while Shaun Kelly and Paddy Purcell will return from their respective bans. Stephen Bradley is suffering from tendinitis but could yet play a part.

 

Speaking ahead of his side's second home game of the season, Taylor seemed focused on the task at hand.

 

“I am delighted with the attitude and application of the lads away to Drogheda United on Friday night, they showed great spirit in what proved to be a very difficult game. The way we played was excellent and I am really proud of all of them. We have a very difficult game on Tuesday night at home to UCD and we will need to play really well against a team that like to get the ball down and play.

 

"I have known Martin for a long time and his teams always like to play good passing football, so I know we will get nothing easy on Tuesday evening in Thomond. The supporters will have their part to play and if they are anywhere near as good as they were when we played Cork in our opening game it will be a huge boost for the team.”

 

UCD

Despite pressing the self-destruct button on Friday night against Derry City, UCD began the campaign in a positive manner despite losing to Bohemians by two goals to one. The Students applied themselves well after going down to ten men following the sending-off of Mark Langtry and probably deserved a point from that tie. They will be looking to register their first points when they travel to Thomond Park.

 

The Students will have to make do without O'Connor for this one following his dismissal for two bookable offences while Mick Leahy is struggling with a knee injury. Mark Langtry returns from suspension following his red card against Bohs on the opening day.

 

Manager Martin Russell admits he is looking forward to the tie. “The Limerick game will give us a chance to regroup and put in a better performance which will be required after Friday night’s disappointment against Derry City. But we have another game quickly in a great stadium like Thomond Park and we are hoping for a good result.”

 

Referee: Alan Kelly

 

 

MATCH STATS

The last time the sides were in the same division, UCD won the First Division; thirty-two points ahead of the Blues.

UCD were the last side to play Limerick in the Markets Field.

The sides last met in August 2009. UCD won 2-1 thanks to goals from David McMillan and Chris Mulhall.

 

BETTING

Limerick 8/11; Draw 23/10; UCD 4/1

 

PREDICTION

Limerick to win 2-0.

 

Limerick FC:

Injured: Rory Gaffney, Dominic Foley.
Doubtful: Jeffrey Judge, Stephen Bradley
Suspended: Aaron Brown, Axel Bossekota.

 

UCD

Injured: Mick Leahy
Doubtful: None
Suspended: David O'Connor