Top two clash as Dundalk focus on tough trip to face Saints
The Lilywhites go into the game on the back of that dramatic 2-1 home win against Shamrock Rovers whereas Pats, three points behind the leaders, are looking for a return to form after two successive defeats.
“We want to get back to winning ways but Dundalk are absolutely flying it at the moment so it will be a severe test for us,” says Pats boss Pete Mahon. “UCD (last Monday) was our first away defeat and while it was disappointing, I felt we created plenty of chances but simply did not take them.
“That’s something we’ve been working on in training. Defeats are hard to take but we’ll keep working hard and I’m sure it will come right again, they’re the same players so nothing has changed.”
Midfielder Brian Cash has a thigh strain and is likely to miss out but otherwise the Dubliners will be at full strength. But there will be no homecoming for former Saint Alan Cawley, who misses out for Dundalk with a cheekbone injury.
The visit of third-placed Sporting Fingal to Hunky Dorys Park for a meeting with struggling Drogheda United (7.45pm) will be notable as a personal milestone for winger Conan Byrne, who clocks up 100 not out for the Dublin club.
Since manager Liam Buckley captured Byrne from UCD as his first signing in early 2008, the Swords native has been an ever present in the short history of Fingal.
“To play 100 games on the spin is a massive feat for any player,” says Buckley. “Conan keeps himself in tip-top shape and is a model professional on and off the pitch.”
Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Shamrock Rovers will be anxious to put a bad night all round in Oriel Park behind them as they welcome Galway United to Tallaght Stadium while, at the Carlisle Grounds, basement side Bray Wanderers host UCD (7.45pm).
In the First Division, Cork City Foras Co-op head east to take on Wexford Youths, boosted by the three points they picked up at home to Salthill Devon, which leaves them joint fourth with Shels and Limerick.
City have already beaten Wexford in the EA Sports Cup this season but manager Tommy Dunne is anticipating a tough test at Ferrycarrig Park.
“We had a good win against Wexford last month at Turner’s Cross, but this will be a totally different game,” he says. “They are an extremely fit side and will be tough opponents for us. It’s been a busy week for us, having travelled to Donegal on Friday and played Salthill on Tuesday, but we will travel with confidence that we can achieve a result there.”
The game has come too soon for Gearoid Morrissey whose recovery from a back injury could see him feature against Limerick next Tuesday while Slovenian defender Uros Hojan, who was forced out of the action against Finn Harps, is unlikely to be available even though his ankle injury is not as bad as first feared.
In other significant First Division ties, leaders Derry City travel to third-placed Monaghan United while second-placed Waterford United are away to Shelbourne. And in tonight’s other game Finn Harps welcome bottom-of-the-table Mervue United to Finn Park with all the First Division fixtures kicking off at 8pm.
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