LEAGUE OF IRELAND:HAVING GATECRASHED what most pundits reckoned was likely to be a two- or maybe three-horse title race between some of the other Dublin clubs, St Patrick's Athletic take on Shamrock Rovers tonight at Inchicore with a chance of going at least seven points clear of any of the pre-season favourites.
Pete Mahon’s side won the first meeting between these two sides well in Tallaght and while Rovers have found their feet since then, the hosts continue to keep clean sheets while outscoring very other team bar second-placed Dundalk.
Michael O’Neill reckons his Rovers side “let themselves down” on what was a blustery night in mid-March and points to the fact that the visitors are now unbeaten in seven themselves as the basis for optimism.
Gary Twigg’s three goals in three games have been a major factor in Rovers’ improvement and the club were further boosted this week by the return of Dessie Baker, who came through 30 minutes against Sligo without any apparent problems.
Chris Turner did pick up a knock in the drawn Monday night game, however, and could miss out while there are still significant problems with the likes of Stephen Bradley, Pat Sullivan and Craig Sives.
The hosts are better fixed and having again shuffled things up a little earlier in the week, Mahon may well bring back Ryan Guy and Dave Mulcahy to his starting line-up while nudging David McAllister back out to the wing.
Dundalk will look to bounce back from their surprise home defeat by Bray in what should be a tricky derby encounter at United Park where Alan Mathews’ side will be looking to secure a first win since the dramatic victory at Richmond Park.
Liam Burns and JJ Melligan are doubts for the visitors while Alan Cawley is still not available for action despite having started back training. Tiarnan Mulvenna, however, is available for selection after coming on against Wanderers and almost salvaging something for his side.
Robbie Martin, Damien Brennan and Paul Crowley are amongst the players reckoned to be doubtful for the hosts.
The visit of UCD should, on the face of it, offer Bohemians the chance to build on Monday’s win over Sporting Fingal.
Owen Heary looks set to miss out again due to a a knee problem while Rafaelle Cretaro is a doubt after limping off against Fingal with an ongoing shin problem, but Stephen Gray could feature.
For their part, UCD could be at full strength although Robbie Creevy and Brian Shortall face fitness tests today.
At the Carlisle Grounds Eddie Gormley will be hoping to see his rather embattled Bray side continue their upturn in form after the fine win at Oriel Park.
