even the scumbourne official site condones thuggery
Fireworks expected as Pat vs Pat
Wednesday 27 Oct 2004 --On Friday, Shelbourne will either tighten their grasp on regaining the League title, or for the first time this season, come under extreme danger of letting it slip. Five games remain in the Eircom League 2004 Premier Division for both Shelbourne and Cork City. Shelbourne have the advantage of a four-point lead over the Leesiders after Cork managed to dispose of Derry in the Brandywell on Tuesday night. That game brought to seven, the winning streak Pat Dolan's men have managed in as many games. If Shelbourne wish to remove Cork from mounting a realistic challenge, they need to end that run.
Since Shels Euro campaign came to an end in Lille on the 30th Sept, they have managed 7 points from a possible 15. Ironically, despite this equaling Shels worst return of points from five consecutive games all season, it has managed to end the league challenges of both Drogheda and Bohs. However, whilst Shels have disposed of two challengers, Cork have gained 8 points in the five games on Shelbourne and now, for the third (or fourth if you count the first Bohs game) time in as many weeks, Shels find themselves facing yet another 1st vs. 2nd crucial must-win game.
Shels have shown character and more importantly the will to fight to grind out results over the season (barring the 2-0 loss to Bohs), and will need to draw on every inch of that grit to see off a clearly confidence-inspired Cork City. It is fitting that our two teams that most impressed this year in Europe (Shels in the Champions League and UEFA, Cork in the Intertoto), are the two teams left to battle it out for the greatest prize in Irish Domestic Soccer.
Looking at the two sides stats, Cork edge Shels on conceding less goals, but Shels win on goals scored. Jason Byrne and Glen Fitzpatrick have netted 32 goals combined (24 and 8 respectively) with Cork's O'Flynn and Doyle netting 21 (10 and 11 respectively).
On the night, it will come down to who wants it more. Both managers will certainly have their teams up for the game, Pat Dolan going as far as journeying to Derry a day early and resting the team a day after before travelling home. His mind is clearly set on dislodging Shelbourne from their season long perch and bringing the title back to the Leesiders. Pat Fenlon will be back on the bench, having served his two match sideline ban.
Cork games have always been lively affairs. In past seasons gone, there have been plenty of goals, drama (Dolan's dramatic displays when he claimed Owen Heary kicked him) and sending offs. Eitherway, Halloween or not, you can expect fireworks at this game.
Kick-off for the game is 7:45, Tolka Park
Adult €15 Student (with I.D.) €10 Child / OAP €6
Shels Run-in
Oct 29 Shelbourne v Cork City
Nov 01 Shelbourne v Longford Town
Nov 06 Longford Town v Shelbourne
Nov 12 Shelbourne v Waterford Utd
Nov 19 St Patrick's Athletic v Shelbourne
