Hoops’ dream close to reality

WITH Drogheda United engaged in matters European this week, Shamrock Rovers will be looking to cut the gap at the top of the eircom Premier Division to just four points when they host Longford Town at Tolka Park tonight (8pm).

That might be worth repeating: Shamrock Rovers are hot on the heels of the league leaders as the campaign enters the home straight. Few would have envisioned such a scenario at the start of the season as most pundits nominated champions from the ranks of Derry, Pats, Bohs and Cork. One notable exception was Rovers manager Pat Scully who, when asked about his ambitions for the newly-promoted Hoops, replied: “We want to win it.”

While the challenge of both Pats and Bohs has faded, Rovers are now flying the Dublin flag in the race to haul back Drogheda who are currently seven points clear at the top.

And with the two clubs still to meet at Tolka Park before season’s end, Rovers’ steady progress could yet reap the ultimate reward.

The veteran Andy Myler, whose hat-trick against UCD last week saw him enter the top 20 of all-time League of Ireland goalscorers believes that sheer determination has had a big part to play in Rovers’ drive.

“People wrote us off from day one, they thought we were just a First Division side who wouldn’t make an impact,” he says. “A lot of teams use being part-time as an excuse. They have good players but they hide behind being part-time. We’ve shown that it is possible to buck that trend.”

Rovers have several injury worries ahead of tonight’s game against a Longford Town side which, while still propping up the table, has lately hit a rich vein of form.

Barry Ferguson is back for the Hoops after suspension but long-term casualty Aidan Price remains sidelined and six other players are receiving treatment. Ger O’Brien, John Martin, Eric McGill, Tadhg Purcell, Padraig Amond and Ger Rowe are all officially rated doubtful.

Waterford United, who are now nervously looking over their shoulders at Longford, will hope to widen the four-point gap at the bottom when they visit St Patrick’s Athletic.

Waterford manager Gareth Cronin must plan tonight without influential midfielder Dave Mulcahy who is suspended. Also missing, with a foot injury, is Kenny Browne but both Robert Brosnan and Cathal Lordan, the latter on loan from Cork, return to the squad. Says Cronin: “We are now at the business end of the season and every game is vital. We really need to get points on the board and if we get enough of them we’ll stay safe.”

Fourth-placed Cork City take on Galway United at Turner’s Cross (7.45pm). Seán Kelly is doubtful having received a knock to his knee in training but Gareth Farrelly has recovered from a groin strain.

Says Cork boss Damien Richardson: “It’s important that we replicate the performance of the second half on Monday night (against Bray). We showed in that second half the importance of pride and passion allied to great ability.”

Bray now turn their attentions to Bohs who visit the Carlisle Grounds (7.45pm, live on TG4).

Bohs are without suspended full back Owen Heary but are boosted by the return of Dessie Byrne and Liam Burns.