Bradley: Hoops in 'really good place' ahead of Dublin derby with Pats

Shamrock Rovers host Stephen Kenny's Saints on Monday night. 

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley with player Lee Grace after their side's victory in Waterford. Pic: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile

Shamrock Rovers can extend their lead at the top to five points, seven ahead of St Patrick’s Athletic, if they beat the Saints at Tallaght Stadium (8pm).

All four of the league’s European representatives are in action against each other, bringing forward fixtures to free up weekends around the July Champions and Conference League qualifying rounds.

Three wins in a row have lifted Stephen Bradley’s Hoops to the summit, in command to stay on course to regain the crown they relinquished to Shelbourne after four years in possession.

The midseason point of the season will be reached on Friday week.

Stephen Kenny’s St Pat’s accompanied Rovers as pre-season title favourites but were heading for a third successive defeat on Friday against Cork City until late goals by Zack Elbouzedi and Jamie Lennon eked out a 3-2 victory.

Suspended Barry Baggley joins fellow midfielder Chris Forrester on the unavailable list for their short trip from Inchicore whereas the hosts have all but Sean Kavanagh available.

“History shows we always score goals and we’ve tidied up little bits defensively recently,” said Bradley. “We know the threats of St Pat’s and that they’re a good team but we’re in a really good place.” 

Reigning FAI Cup holders Drogheda United and league champions Shelbourne square off at Tolka Park (7.45pm). Drogheda set the pace from the start only to slip back to fifth place in recent weeks, just points ahead of Damien Duff’s Reds in sixth.

Meanwhile, Ger Nash has got straight to work as the new manager of Cork City.

He traipsed across four countries from Sweden to reach Richmond Park on Friday, assisting caretaker chief Liam Kearney in delivering the interval team-talk. His first game in official charge is away to eighth-placed Galway United on Friday.

“We’re in a fight to stay in the division,” he said about City’s plight, marginally ahead of basement side Sligo Rovers by the slenderest of goal difference.

“You need everybody working in the same direction when you’re in a fight. It is imperative we end the season planning for the Premier Division next year.”