Soccer National League: Bohemians may seek a High Court injunction this morning to have tonight's Premier Division game with Shelbourne at Tolka Park postponed after the National League last night reiterated that it, along with the meeting of St Patrick's Athletic and Longford Town at Richmond Park, goes ahead as scheduled.
Bohemians had requested to the league and then appealed to the FAI that their game be postponed in light of the fact they had to play their FAI Cup semi-final replay with St Patrick's Athletic less than 48 hours earlier.
St Patrick's are also unhappy at having to play so soon. But it's the potential title decider at Tolka that is of far greater importance with the league championship effectively at stake. Shelbourne, eight points clear of Bohemians, have not played since last Friday and will have a distinct advantage.
"Our feeling at this stage is that we don't play the game," said Bohemians secretary Gerry Cuffe last night. "We can go to court and get an injunction. We are still trying to get a resolution. There seems to be a willingness for everybody to move except the eircom League. The clubs all seem to want to find a way around it."
In its statement issued yesterday, the league said: "From the outset, the eircom League acknowledged that the clubs concerned are being asked to play a number of matches in a short space of time. However, any consideration of the pressures that places on those clubs must be balanced with the implications of allowing these matches to be postponed.
"This would result in it being necessary to extend the 2003 season and this in turn would have implications for all eircom League clubs, not least of which would be resulting additional expense. The eircom League has a duty and responsibility to all 22 clubs in the Premier and First Divisions.
"Every possibility was explored to find alternative dates for these fixtures without having to extend the season."
The statement added: "The fixture list is protected by rule, is not subject to appeal and any changes to it would require the consent of all 22 eircom League clubs at an eircom League Management Committee meeting."
With the exception of Wes Hoolahan, who is away on Ireland under-21 duty in Switzerland, Shelbourne are back to full strength with Dave Rogers returning from suspension and top-scorer Jason Byrne, Stephen Geoghegan and Jim Crawford all fit again following injury.
Bohemians have captain Kevin Hunt back from suspension, but report having several players nursing knocks following Wednesday's two hours of exertion.
St Patrick's will leave it as late as possible to name their 11 to face Longford as manager Eamonn Collins has defender Barry Prenderville, midfielders Davy Byrne and Paul Osam and striker Gary McPhee all receiving treatment.
Shamrock Rovers have defenders Trevor Croly and Keith Doyle, along with winger James Keddy, back from suspension as they travel to the RSC hoping to avoid a third defeat of the season to Waterford United.
Drogheda United manager Paul Doolin comes up against his former club UCD for the first time at 02 Park seeking his first league goal, and win, at his new club. CiaráQuinn continues up front with Andy Myler for the injury Declan O'Brien (groin) while central defender Pat Scully is suspended having been sent off in last week's 0-0 draw in Derry.
UCD are missing Hugh Davey, who is on international duty with the Northern Ireland under-21 team in Greece.
FIXTURES (7.45 unless stated): Premier Division Drogheda United v UCD (8.0) St. Patrick's Athletic v Longford Town Shelbourne v Bohemians Waterford United v Shamrock Rovers (7.30) First Division Athlone Town v Finn Harps Cobh Ramblers v Limerick FC (8.0) Kilkenny City v Kildare County (7.30).
