Shels look to close in on title

Shelbourne can close in on the eircom League title by opening up a nine-point lead at the top of the premier division if they beat Longford Town at Flancare Park tonight (7.45pm).

Second-placed Cork City will still have a game in hand of their title rivals from Dublin but their 1-1 draw at home to Derry has strengthened Shels’ grip on the league title they are defending from last season.

Pat Fenlon’s Shels side will be without team captain Owen Heary and fellow defender Jamie Harris as the two clubs prepare to meet for the second time inside a week, following Monday night’s 1-0 win over the midlanders at Tolka Park.

Otherwise Shels has a full squad in defence with Kevin Doherty standing by to take over in central defence with Stuart Byrne and Alan McDermott contending for the right-back position.