Hoops look to extend lead by sinking Seagulls

CHAMPIONS Shamrock Rovers will be hoping to extend their lead at the top of the Airtricity Premier Division when they take on Bray Wanderers at Tallaght Stadium tonight.

With second-placed Sligo Rovers not in action until their home game against St Patrick’s Athletic tomorrow night, the Hoops hope to steal a march.

“This will still be a difficult test as Pat Devlin’s side have had some good results away from home this season,” said Rovers manager Michael O’Neill.

Bray will be without injured Joe Kendrick, Daire Doyle and Gary Shaw while striker Chris Shields is a doubt with a hamstring problem.

UCD will be looking for their first home win — and goal — of the season when fourth-placed Bohemians make the journey to the Belfield Bowl.

“Despite all the restructuring at Bohemians, they are still able to field a team with league winners and guys with European experience. We can learn a lot from this game,” said UCD manager Martin Russell.

Pat Fenlon again takes charge of the Dalymount Park side with Brian Murphy, Ollie Cahill, Lee Dixon, Christy Fagan, Chris O’Connor and Glen Cronin all injured and Killian Brennan facing a late fitness test.

Derry City will be hoping to build on last week’s 2-1 victory in Bray when Dundalk are the visitors to the Brandywell.

“Dundalk have had a lot of plaudits lately and deserve them. They have a good mixture of youth and experience — with the likes of Colin Hawkins, Jason Byrne and Mark Quigley,” said manager Stephen Kenny.

Bottom side Drogheda United will be desperately seeking their first win, against Galway United at Hunky Dory Park. “This is one of the games we have to win,” said Drogs boss Sean Connor.

“At the end of the day, ourselves and Drogheda have the smallest budgets in the league. If the aspiration is to stay in the Premier Division, this is a game we have to win.”