UCD hope early training pays off

UCD manager Paul Doolin yesterday paid tribute to the students who sacrificed their regular summer activities to meet the demands of the new season by returning for training at the end of May.

UCD play Cork City at Turner's Cross tonight (7.45pm) in the National League and Doolin metaphorically doffed his cap at his youthful squad when he said: "Students usually spend the months of summer working in America to finance their time in college but these lads gave that up and gave up a holiday as well." He said, "So that shows their commitment."

Doolin provoked a marvellous response from UCD last season when he joined them as manager and they climbed from relegation trouble into a safe mid-table position. This season he suggested they might find it more difficult to get the results they need at places like Cork.

He said: "A lot of our lads were new to the league last season so there would have been a surprise element involved. It could be more difficult this season because the players are now known to the opposition and teams might treat us with more respect.

"Repeating the success of last season might be more challenging as a result.

"It can be easy to make an impression first time round and more difficult to repeat it. Worst of all, of course, is if one or two players think because they had a good first season they have it made, but hopefully we won't let that happen."

Doolin has two new players in his squad this season in Robert Doyle, who previously played with Bray Wanderers, and Sean Finn, a midfielder who has returned from the US. Finn was in America on scholarship and returned home briefly last season. Now he is home for good and looking for a job.

UCD lost 1-2 to Bohemians in their opening match of the season and drew 1-1 with Bray Wanderers last week. Said Doolin: "We set out to play in a certain way against Bohs and were doing quite well after scoring first. But then we gave away two bad goals and ended with nothing after a good performance. I have to say we were lucky to get a point from Bray."

Cork City will make it difficult for UCD to add to their one point if their opening performance against Shelbourne is a reliable guide. Cork whipped the champions 3-0 and their young newcomers centre forwards George O'Callaghan, John O'Flynn and Dave Warren were particularly impressive.

Now manager Liam Murphy has further options with left-winger Billy Woods and midfielder Alan Reynolds recovered from injury. This should mean that he is facing selection problems. But how can he juggle with a selection that excelled against Shels?

He said: "It would be very hard to change that team. You never know in football because your thoughts are shaped by what you see in training as well as in matches but I have to admit I was very encouraged by the form of the young fellows against Shels."

The performances of O'Flynn and O'Callaghan at centre forward certainly gave Cork fans a lift.

O'Flynn, who was with Peterborough United until financial pressures caused them to trim their staff, was playing his first match for Cork and should not be confused with Stephen O'Flynn, the former Wimbledon player, who was released by Cork to join Limerick.

The new O'Flynn made a lot of things happen for Cork because he was always playing on the shoulder of the last defender and his ability to hold the ball meant he was key to much of their attacking play. O'Callaghan was the perfect foil and if they can maintain their level of output then Cork should have a good season.

The match between Bray Wanderers and Shelbourne that was scheduled for Carlisle Grounds has been postponed because of Shelbourne's midweek match in Malta. Tonight's fixtures are:

Eircom League, Premier Division: Cork City v UCD, Turner's Cross 7.45pm; Bohemians v Derry City, Dalymount Park 7.45pm; Drogheda United v St Patrick's Athletic, United Park 8pm; Shamrock Rovers v Longford Town, Tolka Park 7.45pm.

First Division (South) Cup: Athlone Town v Waterford United, St Mel's Park 7.45pm.

Tomorrow (First Division North): Finn Harps v Sligo Rovers, Finn Park 7.30pm; Monaghan United v Galway United, Century Homes Park 7.30pm. (South) Kildare County v Cobh Ramblers, Station Road 7.30pm.