Mathews resigns Shels post

Domestic football has claimed its first managerial casualty of the season with the departure of Alan Mathews from Shelbourne.

According to the club currently propping up the Airtricity League Premier Division, the experienced manager tendered his resignation which was accepted by the board of management. In a statement, they expressed their gratitude to Mathews for “his tireless work on the club’s behalf and in particular for securing the return of the club to the Premier Division.”

While Shels set about identifying a permanent replacement, Kevin Doherty will take over as interim manager, his first task to cope with a rash of injuries and suspensions for tonight’s visit to Tolka Park of a St Patrick’s Athletic side who can join Sligo Rovers at the top of the Premier Division if they claim all three points (kick off 8pm).

There is another big Dublin derby between Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians in Tallaght, which has a 7.05pm kick-off to facilitate TV coverage on RTÉ2.

Hoops boss Trevor Croly said: “There should be a good crowd and a good atmosphere on the night, and hopefully we get a positive result.”

Bohs will be hoping to turn recent good performances into better results after getting nothing for their efforts against UCD and Cork City, the latter 2-1 comeback winners in Dalymount Park last week.

“I thought we were the better side against Cork for most of the match,” said manager Aaron Callaghan. “Tommy Dunne said to me after the match they had got out of jail.”

City boss Dunne will be hoping to make the most of that reprieve when his side host Bray Wanderers at turner’s Cross.

Kevin Murray and Brian Lenihan have both returned to training, with Murray set to be available for Monday’s EA Sports Cup tie against Wexford. Neal Horgan is struggling with a knee injury while Daryl Kavanagh has flu. Darren Dennehy returns after suspension, but the defender will miss Monday’s game against Wexford Youths, having been given an additional one-game ban.

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Drogheda United host Derry City and Limerick visit UCD.

FIRST DIVISION FIXTURES (7.45pm unless stated): Salthill Devon v Athlone Town, Waterford United v Wexford Youths, Finn Harps v Mervue United (8pm).