Managers criticise fixture clash with World Cup semi-final

Managers Pete Mahon and Alan Mathews have criticised the National League for fixing games to clash with the knockout stages of the World Cup ahead of this evening's rescheduled Premier Division match between UCD and Longford Town at Belfield.

Even though the game, along with two of tonight's three League Cup quarter-finals, has been brought forward to a 6pm kick-off, the attendance is certain to be greatly reduced by the World Cup semi-final between Germany and Italy, live on television from 8pm.

"Changing the kick-off time will make no difference," said UCD's Mahon. "I still can't understand the reasoning behind the close-down from June 2nd and then starting back when the knockout stages of the World Cup began. It surely should have been done the other way around."

Longford's Mathews agreed: "When this match was being rearranged, I would have thought the league would have had the foresight to realise that the World Cup semi-final was on tonight. Both of us played on Friday so it could have been played last night. Now there'll be nobody at the game."

UCD captain Tony McDonnell is out with a hamstring strain, and Pat McWalter (groin) and Derek Doyle (blistered feet) are doubtful starters, leaving Mahon short of attacking options given Paul Byrne and Conan Byrne are still sidelined.

Longford remain without midfielder Davy Byrne (thigh) and are likely to be unchanged.

Meanwhile, Bohemians striker Tony Grant has emerged as one of Drogheda United's chief transfer targets. The absence of Declan O'Brien, who suffered a broken jaw against Bray last Sunday, has made the acquisition of a striker pressing for Drogheda manager Paul Doolin.

"Tony (Grant) is definitely an option," said Doolin, who is also interested in Bray's Eamon Zayed. "I tried to sign him before, but he opted for Bohs, saying at the time that he felt he'd have a better chance of winning things with them."

Doolin will make changes for tonight's League Cup quarter-final away to Derry City.

Holders Derry will be without their influential midfielder Pat McCourt for six weeks; he has a hamstring tear. Defender Clive Delaney, who yesterday saw a specialist in Manchester about his knee injury, remains out, as does Ken Oman. The prodigal Darren Kelly is thus set for his debut in central defence.

In tonight's other League Cup quarter-finals, Bohemians host Cobh Ramblers while Limerick FC and Shamrock Rovers meet at Hogan Park.

TONIGHT'S FIXTURES: (6pm unless stated) Eircom League Premier Division UCD v Longford Town. Eircom League Cup (quarter-finals): Bohemians v Cobh Ramblers (7.45pm), Derry City v Drogheda United, Limerick FC v Shamrock Rovers.