League Preview: UCD -v- Dundalk

UCD 

Andy Myler will bring an end to his stint as UCD boss on Friday night when his side face Dundalk at the UCD Bowl (kick-off is at 7.45pm). 

The Students have endured a tough season and were relegated to the First Division last month.

But they have been boosted with the recent news that Ronan Finn will join the club next season from Shamrock Rovers.

Friday's game will also likely see the final game of Jack Keaney’s spell at Belfield after he completed his third-level studies earlier this year.

Boss Myler will also step aside at the end of the term to be replaced by his assistant Willie O’Connor.

Regardless, UCD will be looking to bow out of the top-flight with a win to get them set up for next season in the second-tier.

DUNDALK

With slim hopes of reaching European football still alive, Dundalk travel to Dublin 4 to face UCD.

A Lilywhites Dundalk win, coupled with a Drogheda United victory against Shelbourne, would see the Lilywhites overtake Shels. 

But if the game in Drogheda ends in a draw, Dundalk need to win by four clear goals in Belfield.

And their talented midfielder Ryan O’Kane is hopeful that the Co Louth men can get over the line. 

“We’ve taken quite a few hard hits this season but we’re still in there with something to play for and I think it shows our resilience,” said O’Kane.

“If we win on Friday night, it’ll be five wins out of six which is a good response to the Galway, St Pat’s and Shelbourne games which were a real kick in the teeth.

“I think most people probably would have thought we were done and that we’d put the feet up but we’ve stuck at it and we’ve dug in and we’re looking to finish off on a high because you never know what will happen.”

Louie Annesley and John Mountney remain out for Dundalk although John Martin may return.

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan.

PREDICTION 

UCD 0-2 Dundalk

UCD

Injured: None.

Doubtful:None

Suspended:N/A.

Dundalk

Injured: Louie Annesley, John Mountney.

Doubtful:John Martin.

Suspended:N/A.