DUNDALK HAVEN’T rested on their laurels after their win over Shamrock Rovers on Monday put them top of the Premier Division table for the first time in 15 years as manager Ian Foster yesterday strengthened his squad with the signing of winger Michael McGowan.
The former Northern Ireland under-21 international spent the second half of last season at Dundalk, starring in the side’s good mid-season form. Whether the 25-year-old’s clearance comes through in time for tonight’s top-of-the-table clash with second-placed St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, English midfielder Tom Miller has credited the team’s success so far this season as being down to manager Ian Foster. “The Gaffer has done a brilliant job, I feel,” said Miller. “He’s a good manager and he has a great winning mentality. He wants to do well. He pushes us all the way and he doesn’t accept second best – he’s a fantastic manager.”
Save for Alan Cawley (cheekbone), Dundalk bring a full squad to Inchicore.
Erstwhile leaders St Patrick’s are without winger Brian Cash as they work to end a run of two successive defeats. “Dundalk are absolutely flying so it will be a severe test for us,” stressed St Patrick’s manager Pete Mahon. “Defeats are hard to take, but we’ll keep working hard and I’m sure it will come right again, they’re the same players so nothing has changed”
Sporting Fingal winger Conan Byrne makes his 100th consecutive appearance for the club as they could go second in the table if they win at second-bottom Drogheda United. “It’s brilliant personally, but I want the three points tonight more than anything else,” said 24-year-old Byrne.
With Kenny Browne still suspended and John Frost (hamstring) and Stephen Paisley (chest) still out, manager Liam Buckley is again short of defenders. Shaun Maher (knee) and Brian Gannon (hamstring) will have late fitness tests.
Desperate for a result after five straight defeats, Drogheda wait on defenders Alan McNally and Joe Kendrick, midfielders Paul Crowley and Michael Daly, and strikers Robbie Martin and John Flood who are all carrying knocks.
A slight concession rules UCD top-scorer Ciarán Kilduff out of their clash with bottom side Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds. Beleaguered Bray continue without captain Daire Doyle (foot) and midfielder Dean Zambra (ankle), though manager Eddie Gormley received some respite with the news Richie Baker, Shane O’Neill and John Mulroy are fit to come back into his squad.
Shamrock Rovers manager Michael O’Neill is hopeful of having defender Craig Sives back to face Galway United at Tallaght Stadium. Defender Pat Sullivan (knee) remains sidelined while midfielder James Chambers is suspended following his red card at Dundalk on Monday night. Midfielder Chris Turner (ankle) and striker Thomas Stewart (thigh) are also struggling for fitness.
A stomach muscle injury keeps winger Derek O’Brien out of the fray for Galway, though manager Seán Connor has midfielders Stephen O’Donnell, Ciarán Foley and Bobby Ryan, along with striker Anto Flood, available again after they missed Tuesday’s scoreless draw with Sligo Rovers.
TONIGHT’S FIXTURES
Premier Division (7.45) – Bray Wanderers v UCD, Carlisle Grounds; Drogheda Utd v Sporting Fingal, Hunky Dorys Park; St Patricks Athletic v Dundalk, Richmond Park; Shamrock Rovers v Galway Utd, Tallaght Stadium. First Division (8.0) – Finn Harps v Mervue Utd, Finn Park; Monaghan Utd v Derry City, Gortakeegan; Shelbourne v Waterford Utd, Tolka Park; Wexford Youths v Cork City, Ferrycarrig Park.
