Match Preview: Dublin City FC v Sligo Rovers FC
DUBLIN CITY PRESS OFFICE - Match Preview: Dublin City FC v Sligo Rovers FC
City bring in UCD's Lynch to bolster title push
DUBLIN CITY FC have added Premier Division UCD's Aidan Lynch to the club's first team squad and he goes straight into the panel for Thursday night's top of the table clash with Sligo Rovers at Richmond Park (7.45pm). Lynch, a vastly experienced eircom League campaigner, can play in a defensive midfield holding position or as a central defender or right full. His addition to the squad will give manager Dermot Keely several options across the back-four and in midfield. Said Keely on the arrival of Lynch to add to the Vikings push for the first division title: "Aidan is a quality player and is a great addition to us. He has bundles of top flight experience under his belt and I'm sure he will be a big success here at Dublin City. I only want to bring in players who will improve on what we have here at the club and Aidan definitely falls into that category. He can give us cover in several poisitons and his versatility and undoubted ability is a decided plus for the club." City will be without Alan Keely (ligaments) for the visit of Sligo while a late decision will be made on central defender Ben Whelehan who has bruised ribs. Definitely out is Paul Shiels who misses out through suspension. Along with Lynch, City welcome back midfielder Ray Scully who returns after serving a one match suspension. It's a big game for City after they lost for the third time this season when going down to Kilkenny City at Buckely Park last weekend and a win would see the Vikings cut Sligo's lead back to two points. "We played well in parts against Kilkenny but some sloppy defending cost us dearly," said manager Keely. "We can't afford to defend like that and expect to win games. Sligo is a big game for us but I have to keep reminding people that the league won't be won this weekend. Yes, we'd like to get the gap back to within striking distance and we'll certainly be looking to bounce back after the setback against Kilkenny City, so in that respuect we'll be going out to win the game." Sligo come into the game on the back of a one-nil success over Kildare County at the Showgrounds although Rovers' 'keeper John O'Hara had to be at his best and pull off several top class saves to keep the resurgent Thoroughbreds at bay. The only goal of the game was scored by Steve Feeney in the 26th minute. Dublin City are slight favourites with Boyle Sports (www.boylesports.com) who make the Vikings 7/5 to win the game with Sligo rated at 8/5 and a draw listed for 11/5. Dublin City have parted company with former Shamrock Rovers defender Pat Deans. Said Chief Executive Ronan Seery: "I'd like to thank Pat for all his efforts on behalf of Dublin City and wish him well for the future."
