Top clubs try to stay focused

Against the backdrop of the FAI's decision to replay Shelbourne's controversial defeat to Bohemians last August, players at the country's two top clubs were attempting to remain focused yesterday as they prepared for matches they know are still a crucial part of the title run-in.

Cork manager Damien Richardson observed with some bemusement, "It's a great finish to the season: there are a lot of big games to come and, of course, the court case you generally have to win here if you want to be champions."

At Derry City and Shelbourne, though, there is only exasperation that it could have all come to this. "I think if I say what I want to say then it will end up costing me a lot of money," said Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon.

"It's been a difficult week but the players have been great. It's hard when things keep changing but the players have shown great character on every occasion that something has been thrown at them. I don't know what's going to happen next," he continued. "It changes from day to day, from hour to hour, it seems.

"The most frustrating part is that I don't think the culprits have been punished and everybody knows who the culprits are."

Fenlon does at least, have a virtually full squad for this evening's game against Drogheda United at Tolka Park. Only Owen Heary will miss the game, with a hamstring injury, and the team's skipper could return by next week after making a faster-than-expected recovery.

United are without the suspended Declan O'Brien as well as the injured Tony Grant and James Keddy, but manager Paul Doolin reckons the fact Shelbourne need to win the game will "make it interesting" as his own side looks to maintain its slender hopes of stealing in for the title.

Derry City have everybody fit for the visit of Bray, something manager Stephen Kenny believes is a remarkable tribute to the resilience of players who have endured a punishing schedule over the past couple of months.

"It's amazing really," he says, "but every time they have gone out there they've shown what seemed like a fresh determination to win.

"Bray will be another test for them and we'll give them a lot of respect after their result against Cork, but after Tuesday's cup win the players are all in good spirits about what's left to be done."

Cork are without Joe Gamble (suspended) and John O'Flynn, who has been told to concentrate on getting fit for next season after a troubled year. Danny Murphy is a doubt with an ankle injury.

Visitors Waterford are without Ger McCarthy, Alan Cawley and Patrick O'Flynn as all are suspended, and as manager Gareth Cronin remarks, "That doesn't leave a whole lot of a squad to play with."

He is anxious that his side gives a good account of itself against a club where he spent eight seasons: "I played with Colin O'Brien from the time I was 12 and Billy Woods is a close personal friend so there'll be a bit of banter around the game but I'm looking forward to going back there with my own team."

UCD will be without Keith Doyle (suspended) as well as injured trio Paul Crowley, Pat McWalter and Alan Mahon for the visit of Sligo Rovers, who will have Richard Brush standing in for injured goalkeeper John O'Hara again. Gavin Peers and Liam Burns are also suspended while Chris Turner is struggling after taking a knock in the cup defeat to Derry.

All three leading first division sides are in action: Galway at home to Kildare County, Shamrock Rovers away to Limerick and Dundalk visiting Monaghan.

Fixtures (7.45 unless stated). Premier Division: Shelbourne v Drogheda United (7.30), Cork City v Waterford United, Derry City v Bray Wanderers, UCD v Sligo Rovers. First Division: Galway United v Kildare County, Limerick v Shamrock Rovers, Monaghan United v Dundalk (8.0).