26th March 2009: ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC V DUNDALK MATCH PREVIEW
Dundalk travel to Richmond Park on Friday night hoping to build on last Friday’s 3-0 win over Drogheda United. St Patrick's Athletic have recovered from their opening day defeat at home to Galway with two wins on the road in Cork and Sligo to reaffirm their position as one of the favourites for the league title.
Team News
Dundalk have no injury worries for the game. Liam Burns was taken off early in the second half against Drogheda as a precaution after taking a slight knock but has trained fully all week.
Simon Kelly returns following a one-match suspension.
There is still no resolution with regards to Michael Collins’ availability. That issue is still with FIFA and Dundalk FC remain hopeful for a positive outcome in the near future.
Sean Connor Comments
“It’s going to be a very tough match. We have everybody fit and Simon Kelly will be pushing for a place back in the side after his suspension. We have worked hard all week but everybody had a spring in their step in training after the win last Friday. We thought we were unlucky not to come out of the Bohs match with some points so the players are keen to show that they are a good side against another one of the top sides in the league. It’s a huge challenge. It is no surprise to me that St Pat’s have bounced back from their defeat by Galway on the opening day. They were not at full strength that day but Jeff has now got two outstanding away victories. I am sure they want to put on a show in front of their home fans. But we will have a very large traveling support and we will be looking to put on a good performance for them also. We didn’t perform in our last away game in Galway so Friday is a great chance for us to put that right and to build on our win last week.”
Chris Turner
“It was a great win last week. To get three points on the board was a big plus for us. We were disappointed not to get anything from the first two games. Now we have St Pats in Richmond Park on Friday night which is going to be very tough. But we are hopeful of getting a result. I am enjoying my football. Last week we played a very attacking formation that allowed myself and George to get forward with Michael Daly doing a great job sitting in front of the defence. Whatever formation the Gaffer puts us in should not matter too much. It’s not formations that wins games – it’s players. We have good players here so if we have good movement and passing it should allow us to get forward. The Pat’s game will be difficult as they have many talented players. We go into every game hoping to win it. We certainly want to get some points out this game and try to get an unbeaten run going. “
Simon Kelly
“I am hoping that I can get into the team obviously. But, to be honest, the lads played so well last week that I will be happy to get a place on the bench. It’s a very solid defence and will be very hard to break into. I am enjoying the step up from First Division football. There is a major difference. Fitness wise the gap is very big. I am benefitting a lot from the full-time training that Sean has introduced. I am much fitter than last year or at any stage in my career. Having played in the First Division for Dundalk since 2003 it’s big games like Friday night at St Pats that excite me. I am sure the fans will be looking forward to it also and hopefully we can give them something to cheer about”.
http://dundalkfc.com/news/090326_Pats.asp
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