Ezeikial
24/06/2011, 1:02 AM
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Airtricity League previews
(7.45pm unless stated)
Friday, June 24
Airtricity League Premier Division
Sligo Rvrs v Shamrock Rvrs, The Showgrounds (7.35pm - Live on RTE 2). Referee: Anthony Buttimer.
SLIGO ROVERS games against Shamrock Rovers are always much anticipated by the Showgrounds faithful and this televised clash is sure to whet the appetite.
Paul Cook’s Bit O’Red will be eager to claim the three points to bite into the five point gap between themselves and Michael O’Neill’s Hoops.
Both sides were held to draws on Tuesday night with Sligo drawing 0-0 in Derry while the Dublin side drew 2-2 at home to Dundalk.
TEAM NEWS:
Sligo Rovers have a major concern over Iarfhlaith Davoren, who has missed the last two games with a knock. Sligo ave no other injury concerns. Shamrock Rovers have injury doubts over Karl Sheppard (ankle) and Ken Oman (calf).
QUOTES:
Sligo Rovers boss Paul Cook: “It’s a big game and one we are very much looking forward to. The first half in Derry was difficult but we improved a lot in the second half and it was a good point in the end. I’m hoping for a big crowd and support because I think the players deserve that. It’s a chance for us to throw open the race for ourselves and we’ll certainly not be wanting for lack of effort.”
Shamrock Rovers manager Michael O’Neill: “We were pleased with the spirit and determination not to be beaten shown by the players on Tuesday; however the lads know that it was not one of their better performances. We have always responded well to disappointment, which Tuesday was for us, and we’re looking forward to the game in Sligo. Our record there has been excellent there in the last two seasons, and we will be aiming to maintain that.”
Bohemians v Drogheda United, Dalymount Park. Referee: Rob Rogers.
DROGHEDA UNITED travel to Dalymount Park looking to build on their recent good form which has seen the Louthmen bag three wins from their last five games.
Bohemians secured an impressive 2-1 away win at Bray Wanderers on Monday but have been patchy at home this term.
Drogheda last beat Bohemians in the league in July 2007. In 13 league matches between the sides since then, Bohemians have won 11 and there have been two draws.
TEAM NEWS:
Anto Flood (groin) is close to a return to action while Steven Hurley will look to make his home debut. Goalkeeper Chris O’Connor remains out with the facial injury received against Sligo Rovers two weeks ago. Drogheda’s Mark O'Brien is suspended while Jack Flynn is still out of action.
QUOTES:
Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon: “Mick has them organised and they’re picking up results. He’s a good manager but it’s taken him a while, he came in late. It’ll be a difficult game for us but we expect nothing different from any team in the league.”
Drogheda manager Mick Cooke: “Our first home win was a long time coming to be honest, but it's great to have it now. The lads are slowly getting there and adapting to the standard of the Premier Division. But we aren't getting carried away just yet. Bohemians had a good win on Monday and looked impressive. It won't be easy to get something from Dalymount.”
Dundalk v Galway United, Oriel Park. Referee: Paul McLaughlin.
DUNDALK will bid to build on their excellent performance against Shamrock Rovers when only a late equaliser denied the Lilywhites a memorable victory.
Ian Foster’s side face a different challenge against his former club Galway United, who have been hit badly by financial problems in recent times and have struggled with injuries all season.
TEAM NEWS:
Galway United’s dreadful luck with injuries continues with Sean Kelly (knee), Joe Yoffe (ankle), Rory Gartlan (groin), Shane Keogh (foot fractures) and Enda Curran (knee) while Jonathan Keane has been ruled out for the season. Steve Feeney is suspended.
Dundalk hope to have Jason Byrne fit while Dean Bennett and Colin Hawkins remain doubtful with ankle injuries. Eoghan Osborne (fractured tibia) and Stephen McDonnell (knee) remain absentees.
QUOTES:
Dundalk defender Colin Hawkins: “Obviously, I’m from Galway and I’d know a lot of their players and I know they’re having awful difficulties in the last few weeks down there. It is sad. Definitely, I would like to see them get out of the trouble they’re in. I know they’ve put all their players available for transfer and maybe that might help the club in the long run to stay afloat, because that’s the most important thing, that Galway has a club to support. But we won’t worry about that on Friday. It’s all about our own job. We have got to go out and do it and try to get three points and then think about it next week.”
St Patrick’s Athletic v Bray Wanderers, Richmond Park. Referee: Neil Doyle.
ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC will bid to maintain their remarkable recent form when they host Bray Wanderers.
Bray lost their first game in five league outings to Bohemians on Monday but come up against a Saints side that has extended their unbeaten run to 13 games and lie just one point behind top spot.
Wanderers have failed to keep a clean sheet against the Saints in the last 17 meetings between the sides in all competitions. Bray's 3-2 win earlier in the season at Richmond Park was their first in 11 visits to the venue.
TEAM NEWS:
Saints captain Conor Kenna is close to a return from a knee injury. Ian Bermingham returns from suspension. Dave Mulcahy (knee) and Derek Pender (foot) are battling to be fit to feature. Neil Harney is expected to return from a head injury suffered against Galway.
Bray Wanderers have no new injury worries but long term injury victims Gary Shaw (ankle),Stephen Brennan (calf), Darren Quigley (elbow) and Jake Kelly (hamstring) remain out. Dave Webster (ankle) is fit after missing eight games.
QUOTES:
St Patrick’s Athletic boss Pete Mahon: “This is a massive, massive game for us and though others are focusing the European games and future league games we’re focusing solely on this game. We watched Bray on Monday night and they’re a very good side who can cause us problems. We managed to pick up another win on Tuesday in Galway and we’re on a great run. The players deserve enormous credit and they want to keep the run going and intend on doing that tomorrow night.”
Bray's Director of Football Pat Devlin: "We made a couple of mistakes on Monday night and got punished for them. We also failed to take our chances, it was one of those games we haven't had so far this season. Isn't it a great game to have on Friday to follow that and it gives us a fantastic opportunity to bounce straight back.”
UCD v Derry City, The UCD Bowl. Referee: Paul Tuite.
UCD will bid to put a halt to a a dreadful run of seven straight defeats when they host third-placed Derry City at the UCD Bowl.
With the sides also meeting in the EA SPORTS Cup, this is the first of back to back games between the two sides over the weekend.
UCD will need little reminder that Derry scored seven unanswered goals against Martin Russell’s side at the Brandywell recently.
TEAM NEWS:
The Students plan without Robbie Creevy, who is unavailable due to a persistent leg injury. Derry have concerns regarding Barry Molloy (ankle ligaments) and James McClean (tonsillitis) but have no suspensions.
QUOTES:
UCD manager Martin Russell: “Derry City are a good footballing side and we are looking to play well and demonstrate the type of character that the game requires when you need to bounce back."
Derry City manager Stephen Kenny: "Our form has been terrific in our last four games against all the top sides in the league and we want to continue that. UCD are a difficult proposition at home and they have already beaten Sligo there so that should be a warning to us that we have to be at our best."
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Airtricity League previews
(7.45pm unless stated)
Friday, June 24
Airtricity League Premier Division
Sligo Rvrs v Shamrock Rvrs, The Showgrounds (7.35pm - Live on RTE 2). Referee: Anthony Buttimer.
SLIGO ROVERS games against Shamrock Rovers are always much anticipated by the Showgrounds faithful and this televised clash is sure to whet the appetite.
Paul Cook’s Bit O’Red will be eager to claim the three points to bite into the five point gap between themselves and Michael O’Neill’s Hoops.
Both sides were held to draws on Tuesday night with Sligo drawing 0-0 in Derry while the Dublin side drew 2-2 at home to Dundalk.
TEAM NEWS:
Sligo Rovers have a major concern over Iarfhlaith Davoren, who has missed the last two games with a knock. Sligo ave no other injury concerns. Shamrock Rovers have injury doubts over Karl Sheppard (ankle) and Ken Oman (calf).
QUOTES:
Sligo Rovers boss Paul Cook: “It’s a big game and one we are very much looking forward to. The first half in Derry was difficult but we improved a lot in the second half and it was a good point in the end. I’m hoping for a big crowd and support because I think the players deserve that. It’s a chance for us to throw open the race for ourselves and we’ll certainly not be wanting for lack of effort.”
Shamrock Rovers manager Michael O’Neill: “We were pleased with the spirit and determination not to be beaten shown by the players on Tuesday; however the lads know that it was not one of their better performances. We have always responded well to disappointment, which Tuesday was for us, and we’re looking forward to the game in Sligo. Our record there has been excellent there in the last two seasons, and we will be aiming to maintain that.”
Bohemians v Drogheda United, Dalymount Park. Referee: Rob Rogers.
DROGHEDA UNITED travel to Dalymount Park looking to build on their recent good form which has seen the Louthmen bag three wins from their last five games.
Bohemians secured an impressive 2-1 away win at Bray Wanderers on Monday but have been patchy at home this term.
Drogheda last beat Bohemians in the league in July 2007. In 13 league matches between the sides since then, Bohemians have won 11 and there have been two draws.
TEAM NEWS:
Anto Flood (groin) is close to a return to action while Steven Hurley will look to make his home debut. Goalkeeper Chris O’Connor remains out with the facial injury received against Sligo Rovers two weeks ago. Drogheda’s Mark O'Brien is suspended while Jack Flynn is still out of action.
QUOTES:
Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon: “Mick has them organised and they’re picking up results. He’s a good manager but it’s taken him a while, he came in late. It’ll be a difficult game for us but we expect nothing different from any team in the league.”
Drogheda manager Mick Cooke: “Our first home win was a long time coming to be honest, but it's great to have it now. The lads are slowly getting there and adapting to the standard of the Premier Division. But we aren't getting carried away just yet. Bohemians had a good win on Monday and looked impressive. It won't be easy to get something from Dalymount.”
Dundalk v Galway United, Oriel Park. Referee: Paul McLaughlin.
DUNDALK will bid to build on their excellent performance against Shamrock Rovers when only a late equaliser denied the Lilywhites a memorable victory.
Ian Foster’s side face a different challenge against his former club Galway United, who have been hit badly by financial problems in recent times and have struggled with injuries all season.
TEAM NEWS:
Galway United’s dreadful luck with injuries continues with Sean Kelly (knee), Joe Yoffe (ankle), Rory Gartlan (groin), Shane Keogh (foot fractures) and Enda Curran (knee) while Jonathan Keane has been ruled out for the season. Steve Feeney is suspended.
Dundalk hope to have Jason Byrne fit while Dean Bennett and Colin Hawkins remain doubtful with ankle injuries. Eoghan Osborne (fractured tibia) and Stephen McDonnell (knee) remain absentees.
QUOTES:
Dundalk defender Colin Hawkins: “Obviously, I’m from Galway and I’d know a lot of their players and I know they’re having awful difficulties in the last few weeks down there. It is sad. Definitely, I would like to see them get out of the trouble they’re in. I know they’ve put all their players available for transfer and maybe that might help the club in the long run to stay afloat, because that’s the most important thing, that Galway has a club to support. But we won’t worry about that on Friday. It’s all about our own job. We have got to go out and do it and try to get three points and then think about it next week.”
St Patrick’s Athletic v Bray Wanderers, Richmond Park. Referee: Neil Doyle.
ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC will bid to maintain their remarkable recent form when they host Bray Wanderers.
Bray lost their first game in five league outings to Bohemians on Monday but come up against a Saints side that has extended their unbeaten run to 13 games and lie just one point behind top spot.
Wanderers have failed to keep a clean sheet against the Saints in the last 17 meetings between the sides in all competitions. Bray's 3-2 win earlier in the season at Richmond Park was their first in 11 visits to the venue.
TEAM NEWS:
Saints captain Conor Kenna is close to a return from a knee injury. Ian Bermingham returns from suspension. Dave Mulcahy (knee) and Derek Pender (foot) are battling to be fit to feature. Neil Harney is expected to return from a head injury suffered against Galway.
Bray Wanderers have no new injury worries but long term injury victims Gary Shaw (ankle),Stephen Brennan (calf), Darren Quigley (elbow) and Jake Kelly (hamstring) remain out. Dave Webster (ankle) is fit after missing eight games.
QUOTES:
St Patrick’s Athletic boss Pete Mahon: “This is a massive, massive game for us and though others are focusing the European games and future league games we’re focusing solely on this game. We watched Bray on Monday night and they’re a very good side who can cause us problems. We managed to pick up another win on Tuesday in Galway and we’re on a great run. The players deserve enormous credit and they want to keep the run going and intend on doing that tomorrow night.”
Bray's Director of Football Pat Devlin: "We made a couple of mistakes on Monday night and got punished for them. We also failed to take our chances, it was one of those games we haven't had so far this season. Isn't it a great game to have on Friday to follow that and it gives us a fantastic opportunity to bounce straight back.”
UCD v Derry City, The UCD Bowl. Referee: Paul Tuite.
UCD will bid to put a halt to a a dreadful run of seven straight defeats when they host third-placed Derry City at the UCD Bowl.
With the sides also meeting in the EA SPORTS Cup, this is the first of back to back games between the two sides over the weekend.
UCD will need little reminder that Derry scored seven unanswered goals against Martin Russell’s side at the Brandywell recently.
TEAM NEWS:
The Students plan without Robbie Creevy, who is unavailable due to a persistent leg injury. Derry have concerns regarding Barry Molloy (ankle ligaments) and James McClean (tonsillitis) but have no suspensions.
QUOTES:
UCD manager Martin Russell: “Derry City are a good footballing side and we are looking to play well and demonstrate the type of character that the game requires when you need to bounce back."
Derry City manager Stephen Kenny: "Our form has been terrific in our last four games against all the top sides in the league and we want to continue that. UCD are a difficult proposition at home and they have already beaten Sligo there so that should be a warning to us that we have to be at our best."