Connolly prepares to face free-scoring Varteks

GOALKEEPER David Connolly is certain to be the busiest player on the pitch at Tolka Park tonight when

Dundalk play Varteks of Croatia in the second leg of their qualifying tie in the UEFA Cup.

Connolly, formerly an under-age international with Ireland, was outstanding two weeks ago when Varteks overwhelmed Dundalk 5-0 in the first leg of their tie in Croatia. And so good were Varteks in that match it is odds on they will add to their score tonight.

Dundalk manager Martin Murray has an unenviable task in attempting to at least shut out Varteks with his two first-choice centre-backs unavailable to him. Noel Melvin is receiving treatment on a ligament injury while Donal Broughan will be absent because of a three-match ban.

Dundalk’s current plight is in marked contrast to the optimism that swept through the club last season when they won the FAI Cup final against Bohemians.

Relegation to the first division quickly followed and the qualification for Europe that arrived with their win in the cup has proved to be anything but a bonus. The result of the first leg will inevitably impact upon the attendance tonight.

Murray’s task this season has to be to regain their position in the premier division but that possibility was not

enhanced by the loss of several players at the end of last season.

Murray will be encouraged by the return to fitness of centre-forward Gary Haylock, whose two goals were so important in their cup final win. While he is on the pitch there is always the hope of a goal or two and the Dundalk manager will use this opportunity to introduce Ross Darcy, a former Spurs player, at centre-back.

The Brandywell is the venue tonight for an Eircom League tie of critical importance, even at this early stage of the season, for Derry City and St Patrick’s Athletic both need the points.

When you factor into the equation the fact these teams will meet again at the Brandywell in a week’s time in the FAI Cup it is clear the contest will be highly competitive.

St Pat’s are unbeaten in the current league but were checked last week at home at Richmond Park when Bohemians held them to a 1-1 draw. Last weekend Derry City scored their first win in the current league by beating UCD 2-0 at Belfield much to the relief of manager Kevin Mahon.

Mahon’s task in helping Derry away from the bottom of the league should soon become more manageable for he will have money to spend after the transfer of centre-back Darren Kelly to Carlisle United.

The exact fee was not disclosed but Derry officials conceded that it was in excess of 100,000. They will obviously use most of it to clear their debts but Mahon will doubtless be seeking some to strengthen his squad.