Shelbourne -v- UCD

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne go into this vital clash with UCD on the back of two well-fought and improved performances over the last two weeks that have seen them pick up two important points on the road.

When Alan Mathews’ side welcome the Students to Tolka Park on Friday evening they will be looking to make it five points from their last three games, and move two points ahead of the Belfield side at the lower end of the Premier Division.

Shels also picked up an important morale-boosting win over Athlone Town in the Leinster Senior Cup on Tuesday night and that will give the players confidence going into this encounter. Matches between these two sides are historically quite close. Last season saw each side beat the other once with the other game, the last of the season, finishing in a 1-1 draw at the Belfield Bowl.

Shelbourne will be without the suspended Robert Bayly, who was sent off in last week’s game against Limerick, and Glenn Cronin who is still unavailable due to a long-term injury.

Reds boss, Alan Mathews, is well aware of how tough UCD can be to play against but he feels confident of his side’s ability.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Mathews said: “Games between us and UCD have been very tight, and Friday's game will be no different. We come into the game on the back of two good performances in Cork and Limerick, and need to keep this momentum going.

“We know a good performance will be required to get the right result but we have good hunger and desire to win within the group and I believe that we have the players to take on this challenge, as we complete the first series of games.”

UCD

The Students go into Friday evening’s encounter on the back of a shock 2-0 victory over Shamrock Rovers last week. Goals from Hugh Douglas and Sean Russell gave UCD a vital three points that moved them above Shelbourne and into 11^th place.

Douglas was delighted with the result and how they stuck to their game plan. “Once we scored the goal they pressed us looking for an equaliser but we knew if we held our line and listened to what the gaffer had to say we knew we could hold on for the win, thankfully we did!”

That result will give Martin Russell’s side a lot of confidence going into tomorrow’s encounter. Speaking about tomorrow’s match. he said: “It is important that we build on last week's result. Shels will also be looking to gain some valuable points and we will have to perform to our best again in Tolka.”

A win tomorrow would see the college side widen the gap between themselves and Shels, and take another big step towards survival in the top flight. They will have to do it without Mick Leahy and Mark McGinley, however, as both are sidelined with injuries.

Referee: Graham Kelly

MATCH STATS

UCD kept their first clean sheet of the season last week, while Shelbourne only have two so far. This game may bring goals.

Shels have had at least one player suspended for seven of their ten league games so far this year. And tomorrow is no different as Robert Bayly is this week’s suspended man.

The Reds have won two of the last five encounters between these teams, with UCD winning one and the other two finishing in stalemates. 

BETTING

Shels 11/8; Draw 11/5; UCD 15/8.

PREDICTION

Shels to pick up their first win of the season, 2-1.

Shelbourne

Injured: Glen Cronin.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Robert Bayly.

UCD

Injured: Mick Leahy, Mark McGinley.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.