League of Ireland: Pete Mahon is enjoying his best run of form since joining UCD five years ago but despite impressive performances he is approaching tonight's home game against leaders St Patrick's Athletic with caution.
His side are unbeaten in seven games, a win in Derry three weeks ago the most impressive of those results. Monday's League Cup win over tonight's opponents was a further shot in the arm but the manager is urging his players not to be complacent.
"Since I've come to the club this is the best run we've had," he said. "I'm hoping it continues. But we're not getting carried away as we know Pats will be a formidable obstacle. They'll have players back to make them stronger and we have no doubts it'll be a difficult game for us.
"Pats are not top by fluke. They're there because they've a very good team with excellent players. There are no easy games in this league, certainly we never find we have one."
With the league leaders in town, UCD - soon to relocate across campus to the Bowl - are expecting a sizeable crowd to Belfield Park, a ground that traditionally struggles to attract punters. The turnstiles may whirr but Mahon is disappointed the game is not being televised live.
"I'm here five years and I think we've had two live games, one of which was a League Cup final. When we signed up to this agreement I was led to believe all clubs would be equal. I think we're the only top six side that haven't and won't be on TV in the immediate future.
"With Pats coming to town two things are guaranteed. One is a large crowd, the second being the camera (for highlights). That'll be nice. Some our players might even get on it," he said dryly.
St Patrick's manager John McDonnell is confident his high-flying side can step back into line having suffered three defeats in their last four games. The fact Cork City are the only side to win at Belfield Park this season tells its own tale but the manager remains focused.
"The most important thing is that we have been going so well," he said. "We have gathered the points and are still top. That's the positive. If you start quickly you're not playing catch-up. If we meet a blip or bump on the road we're still okay, we still have the points stored up.
"Confidence is good. Things are good. But the games are not easy. People just presumed Drogheda would win in Waterford last Friday and they didn't. If you take your foot off the pedal at all you can find yourself in serious trouble. "
UCD are without Ronan Finn (knee). Paul Crowley (groin) and Conan Byrne (calf) are doubtful. Gary Dicker is back training with the Belfield side following his spell with Birmingham but can't play until July 1st. The midfielder wants a return to England but, Mahon warned, he will not be loaned again.
Pats are without Dave Mulcahy, Alan Kirby (both groin) and Michael Foley (knee). Stephen Paisley is suspended. Anto Murphy and Darragh Maguire were rested for the League Cup game but should return.
Bohemians welcome fit-again Dessie Byrne back to the squad for Longford Town's visit to Dalymount Park. Mark Rossiter (ankle), Harpal Singh (shoulder) and Dean Pooley (ankle) are out.
"Longford have done well in recent weeks after a shaky start and will be up for the game," said Bohemians manager Sean Connor. "However, I want the three points on offer and I have told the players that we must want them more than Longford do."
Longford, unbeaten in four, plan without Pat Sullivan (ankle).
Bottom side Waterford host Galway at the RSC but Stephen Cooling (ankle) will not play. Galway manager Tony Cousins will give fitness tests to both Stephen O'Flynn (groin) and Alan Murphy (calf).
Premier Division
Bohemians v Longford Town 19.45
UCD v St Patricks 19.45
Waterford v Galway Utd 19.45
First Division
Kilkenny City v Athlone Town 19.30
Limerick v Cobh Ramblers 19.45
Finn Harps v Dundalk 20.00
Wexford Youths v Monaghan United 20.00
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