Shelbourne -v- UCD

• Gareth O'Reilly
• Fri, Oct 25 2013




SHELBOURNE

This could have been the biggest game in many years for both clubs but instead Shels have been left with nothing other than pride to play for. Kick Off at Tolka Park for this game between hosts Shelbourne and visitors UCD is at the slightly earlier time of 7.45PM.

 

Bray Wanderers’ win away to Bohemians last weekend meant that The Reds were doomed to relegation. Johnny McDonnell’s side haven’t won any of their last 10 league games and their last victory came against UCD when a 2-1 win secured the three points bat Belfield back in July.

 

The home side are still without four players who have been long term absentees this season. Glenn Cronin, Brian Shorthall, Mark Leech and Jack Memery may have felt that if they had managed to stay injury free this season they could have given the Reds a fighting chance of avoiding the drop. 

 

There is some positive news for Shels with Paul Crowley once again available for selection along with the boost for Johnny McDonnell of having no suspensions to worry about.

 

UCD

UCD are yet to pick up a single point from Shelbourne this season as they make the trip to Tolka Park for the final game of the 2013 season knowing that three points will almost certainly be enough to see them avoid the drop. 

 

It is between UCD, Bray and Bohs for that final relegation play-off spot with all three teams hoping that this Friday will be their last game of their season. However one of those teams will be forced to put off any holiday plans for one more week as they will have to take on the winner of Mervue and Longford next Monday and Friday.

 

The Students currently have a two goal superior goal difference while it would take a shock combination of events for Bohs to find themselves dragged into it. Martin Russell speaking ahead of the game admitted that he was unsure as to how Shels would react after what has been a difficult week for everyone at the club.

 

"The challenge on Friday night at Tolka Park on Friday is to play well enough to win a game of football. I have tremendous sympathy for Shelbourne FC but I know that the club will definitely come back stronger."

 

Long term injury victim Hugh Douglas will miss the last game of the season as he continues to recover from a broken arm but Martin Russell will be buoyed by the fact that he has no other missing personnel.

 

Referee: Paul Tuite

 

 

MATCH FACTS

Even a win may not be enough for UCD as they sit level on points with Bray Wanderers going into the final game of the season. The Students do, however, have a two goal advantage in the goal difference column as things stand.

 

This is the third time in Shelbourne’s history that they have been relegated from the top flight of Irish football.

 

Shels top goals scorer this season has been Dean Kelly with nine league goals to his name whilst Robbie Benson is leading the charts for UCD, also with nine goals.

 

BETTING

Shelbourne 2/1, Draw 9/4, UCD 5/4.

 

PREDICTION

UCD to win 2-1 and to stay up despite a tense last few minutes.

 

 

UCD

Injured: Hugh Douglas
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None

 

Shelbourne

Injured: Glenn Cronin, Brian Shorthall, Mark Leech, Jack Memery
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None