2016 League of Ireland First Division
19.45 8 Jul 2016 -
Referee: Andrew Mullally
19.45 8 Jul 2016 -
Referee: Andrew Mullally
League Preview: UCD -v- Cabinteely
- Dave Donnelly
- Fri, Jul 08 2016
UCD
UCD will aim to bounce back from the disappointment of a 4-3 defeat in a topsy-turvy game against Limerick when they welcome Cabinteely to Belfield (kick-off 7.45pm).
The loss to Limerick brought to an end a four-game league winning streak that had seen the Students climb back up to second in the table, but they slumped back to third thanks to Drogheda's win over Waterford.
“The game against Limerick was a joy to watch at times but also seriously frustrating at other times,” manager Collie O'Neill told ucdsoccer.com.
“It was a game we should have won and only have ourselves collectively, including myself, to blame that we didn’t get a result. If we can all learn from our mistakes, then it will stand to us in the long term.
“Cabinteely are starting to put together a good run of performances themselves and they will be looking to keep that run going over the coming weeks.
“The two games against them this season have been very tight so we know we will be in for another difficult test as we look to push on and secure our play-off place with a number of teams currently in the hunt.”
Captain Gary O'Neill is a major doubt after injuring his knee on Saturday, while defenders Tomás Boyle and Brian Shortall both miss out with hamstring trouble.
Josh Collins is suspended following his sending-off in Limerick.
CABINTEELY
Cabinteely are buzzing after they posted their largest victory in league football with a 5-1 thumpig of Athlone Town at Stradbrook Park on Friday.
Joe Doyle bagged four goals in the first 27 minutes that day, while Oscar Brennan struck a fifth from distance either side of Michael Monaghan's consolation.
In the process, Doyle became the first Cabo player to hit a League of Ireland hat-trick and while he was delighted with the record, he was happier still with the victory.
“It's nice to get a win on the board. We deserved it. We've played well the last few games, so we definitely deserved it," Doyle told Extratime.ie last week.
“We knew that Athlone had a few players gone, that they had gotten a new squad in, and we were looking to capitalise on them maybe not being too experienced with each other.
“We were up for it anyway and with a bit of luck we went out and took advantage, that's all you can do. We're definitely better than what we've been showing,” the Cabo striker added.
“We just haven't been getting the luck, but we got a bit of luck there and showed what we're capable of.”
The good news continues to roll in for Cabo as captain Victor Ekanem moved one step closer to full fitness. The centre-back has resumed light training as he recovers from a knee ligament injury.
Referee: Andrew Mullally.
MATCH STATS
Cabinteely earned their first away win in senior football at UCD last season when a last-minute Jamie O'Neill goal condemned the Students to an EA Sports Cup exit.
UCD won the first league meeting between the sides this season, edging a tight game 2-1, while the return game at Stradbrook finished scoreless.
BETTING
UCD 1/3; Draw 7/2; Cabinteely 7/1.
PREDICTION
UCD 2 – 0 Cabinteely.
UCD
Injured: Tomas Boyle (hamstring), Brian Shortall (hamstring).
Doubtful: Gary O'Neill (knee).
Suspended: Josh Collins.
Cabinteely
Injured: Victor Ekanem (knee).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.