Fenlon’s Bohs focus on Drogheda test
“Drogheda are possibly the only team behind us, in terms of preparation,” said Bohs’ boss Pat Fenlon referring to the visitors’ late acquisition of a new manager, with Mick Cooke coming in.
UCD play host to Derry City, the visitors still smarting from their 1-0 defeat at home to Sligo Rovers.
“Last week’s performance was encouraging and we have the capacity to improve, as long as we continue to work hard,” said Derry manager Stephen Kenny.
James McClain (hip), Kevin Deery (calf) and Ruairi Higgins (thigh) are doubtful with Ruairi Harkin and Thomas McBride on standby.
UCD boss Martin Russell is unlikely to make too many changes after an opening game win against Drogheda. Cillian Morrison, who scored the winner on his debut, will hope to retain his place.
St Patrick’s Athletic welcome Bray Wanderers to Richmond Park, looking to build on their 3-0 opening win away to Galway.
“I’ve a full squad available and each and every one of them is raring to go,” said manager Pete Mahon. “It’s unusual, even at this point of the season, not to have any injury worries and the task now is to select the right team to win (tonight’s) game.”
In the night’s remaining Premier Division tie, Galway have a tricky trip to Dundalk. However, the home side must do without suspended goalkeeper Peter Cherrie. Paul Murphy will deputise, his first competitive outing at Oriel Park since November 2004.
All this evening’s Premier Division games kick off at 7.45pm.
Meanwhile, in the First Division, Roddy Collins takes charge of Monaghan United for the first time, as they face Waterford United at Gortakeegan.
“I didn’t get to meet my new squad until Wednesday but first impressions are positive,” said Collins.
“They have been well prepared by Aidan Lynch, and former manager Mick Cooke. I trust Aidan’s judgement and believe we can get a positive result.”
The visiting Blues welcome back Michael Coady to the squad after suspension, while slight doubts remain over Willie John Kiely (facial injury) and Paul Carey (broken nose) who may play in a mask.
Cork City will help make history when they travel to Mervue United on what will be the home side’s first appearance at their new home, Fahy’s Field (kick-off 7.45pm).
Uppermost in manager Tommy Dunne’s mind will be building on their good start against Wexford Youths.
“On paper, people would be expecting us to win our first two games of the season, but it is never like that in football,” he said. “Against Wexford we played well but it was a tough game. There will be a sense of occasion for Mervue as it is their first game in their own ground so it will be a difficult fixture for us.”
Dunne has winger Derek O’Brien in contention to make his debut but defender Kalen Spillane is suspended.
In tonight’s other First Division games, Limerick host Salthill Devon at Jackman Park (7.45pm) and Wexford Youths face Longford Town at Ferrycarrig Park (8pm).
Meanwhile, Airtricity League clubs have agreed in principle to extend their merger with the FAI beyond the five-year term which ends this season.
The matter will now be discussed at an FAI Council meeting next month.
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