Promotion Candidate Special Feature: UCD
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With the race for promotion to the Premier Division a four horse race for much of the season, we take a look at the four hopefuls looking to reach the promised land. Tonight, Gordon Hunt looks at UCD.
UCD
Manager: Martin Russell
Home-ground: UCD Bowl - Belfield
Current position:(Start of season prediction) 1st (4th)
Top Scorers: Ciaran Kilduff (12), David McMillan (8), John Reilly (7), Chris Mulhall (6).
Star Man: Ronan Finn – outstanding for much of the campaign, vital in the opening dozen or so games with his attacking instincts and expert passing from the centre of midfield.
Story So Far: UCD got off to the ideal start following their disappointing demotion from the Premier Division last season. Six wins from their opening six games, including trips to Sporting Fingal and Shelbourne, saw Martin Russell’s side rack up the points as early and as impressively as possible. UCD play an attractive brand of football, passing their way in and out of danger, and it was this style which drew in many admirers with their early adaptation to life outside of the Premier Division.
28 points were garnered from the first series of fixtures, however, a disappointing second series was to follow. Just 21 points came from their next 11 games as they lost to both Shelbourne and Sporting Fingal, whilst dropping points to Limerick, Finn Harps and Athlone to boot. Nevertheless The Students sat in a healthy second spot following their win away at Waterford which ended the series, leaving themselves just behind Shelbourne as the First Division geared up for the final eleven games.
A disappointing loss to Sporting Fingal aside, UCD have started this final series well, with 12 points from the first five games. However, with a trip to Tolka Park still to come, and an end of season fixture against Waterford United, it’s a tough run in.
Remaining Fixtures: Shelbourne (a), Wexford Youths (h), Mervue United (a), Longford Town (h), Athlone Town (a), Waterford United (h)
extratime.ie verdict: UCD have it all to do if they are to get the sole automatic promotion spot. Shelbourne currently sit behind them only on goal difference, with a game in hand also. This weekends visit to their nearest rivals, in both geography and football terms, should prove decisive. “We've got to give our best and show that we deserve to go up to the next level,” said manager Martin Russell earlier in the month. That has never been more true.
extratime.ie prediction: – Play-off
UCD
Manager: Martin Russell
Home-ground: UCD Bowl - Belfield
Current position:(Start of season prediction) 1st (4th)
Top Scorers: Ciaran Kilduff (12), David McMillan (8), John Reilly (7), Chris Mulhall (6).
Star Man: Ronan Finn – outstanding for much of the campaign, vital in the opening dozen or so games with his attacking instincts and expert passing from the centre of midfield.
Story So Far: UCD got off to the ideal start following their disappointing demotion from the Premier Division last season. Six wins from their opening six games, including trips to Sporting Fingal and Shelbourne, saw Martin Russell’s side rack up the points as early and as impressively as possible. UCD play an attractive brand of football, passing their way in and out of danger, and it was this style which drew in many admirers with their early adaptation to life outside of the Premier Division.
28 points were garnered from the first series of fixtures, however, a disappointing second series was to follow. Just 21 points came from their next 11 games as they lost to both Shelbourne and Sporting Fingal, whilst dropping points to Limerick, Finn Harps and Athlone to boot. Nevertheless The Students sat in a healthy second spot following their win away at Waterford which ended the series, leaving themselves just behind Shelbourne as the First Division geared up for the final eleven games.
A disappointing loss to Sporting Fingal aside, UCD have started this final series well, with 12 points from the first five games. However, with a trip to Tolka Park still to come, and an end of season fixture against Waterford United, it’s a tough run in.
Remaining Fixtures: Shelbourne (a), Wexford Youths (h), Mervue United (a), Longford Town (h), Athlone Town (a), Waterford United (h)
extratime.ie verdict: UCD have it all to do if they are to get the sole automatic promotion spot. Shelbourne currently sit behind them only on goal difference, with a game in hand also. This weekends visit to their nearest rivals, in both geography and football terms, should prove decisive. “We've got to give our best and show that we deserve to go up to the next level,” said manager Martin Russell earlier in the month. That has never been more true.
extratime.ie prediction: – Play-off
About Gordon Hunt
Gordon Hunt is one of extratime's Dublin based reporters. Having worked with the site since it's inception, Gordon's name is carved into the foundations of extratime's tower block. View Full Profile